Learning Principles

Module 3

From dogs to little Albert -- Early Behaviorism

• Early behaviorism is characterized by classical conditioning, which focuses on reflexive or autonomic responses. The study of mental processes or states, under the name of structuralism or functionalism was unable to provide precise research methodology which met the scientific paradigm of the time.  Behaviorism as defined by John Watson, allowed psychologists to study behavior in very discreet units in an empirical fashion.

  

  Watson believed that all organisms adjust to the environment through their responses. Based on burgeoning understandings of genetics, these responses might be biologic, or they might be behavioral. Watson was concerned with the latter. Recognizing that certain responses follow certain stimuli, then psychologists should be able to predict responses and identify stimulus (two separate tasks). This Watson argued, will allow psychology to become an experimental science. This theme of creating an experimental, empirically validated science was in direct response to the psychoanalytic and gestalt movement.

  

  Watson was motivated by the work of Bekheterev, a Russian studying reflexive responding in humans.  However, Pavlov ( a Russian physiologist) became better known and is generally credited today with being the founder of classical conditioning theory.

  

   

  Return Home