The History of Psychology - an in Depth Analysis of Behaviourism

Behaviourism

Abstract

This paper explores the theory of behaviourism and evaluates its evolution. Collective research has been considered in depth, from its profound beginnings in Russian research, and John B. Watson’s declaration in 1913, to its contribution to the broader field of contemporary psychology. Principles of behaviourism are assessed, arriving at the conclusion that despite the controversy that surrounds this school of thought, the crucial aspects of behaviourism have still been effectively assimilated into the field of scientific psychology.

Behaviourism: Consciousness Denied

Behaviourism is a popular movement within psychology that emphasizes the external behavioural aspects of thought, and dismisses the importance of the mind and human consciousness. This evolution came to light with the methodological proposals of John B. Watson, who in 1913 coined the term behaviourism. Psychology, as the behaviourist observes it, is solely an experimental division of natural science. Its theoretical premise is contained within its foresight and discipline of behaviour, and introspection claims no role in its design. The scientific wealth of its findings cannot be credited to the interpretation of data collected from the consciousness (Watson, 1913).

Behaviourism, also known as behavioural psychology, is a theory of learning that is derived from the belief that all types of behaviour are achieved through the process of conditioning. Conditioning occurs when there is an interaction with the environment that produces an unconditioned and conditioned reflex (Skinner, 1984). Pursuant to behaviourism, in a perceptible and systematic manner, behaviour can be examined with no attention given to internal mental states. Behaviourism claims that in the field of psychology, activities such as thinking, feeling, and acting, can be classified as behaviours (Watson, 1913).

Behaviourism is predominantly focused on observable and measurable features of...