behaviourism Definition
- 1the theory that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioral events, in contrast with subjective mental states.
- 2a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior, disregarding mental processes.
Using behaviourism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "behaviourism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Behaviourism is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors, especially as they pertain to the process of learning.
Example
The behaviourist school of thought argues that all behaviours are learned through interactions with the environment.
Example
Behaviourism is often associated with the work of B.F. Skinner, who developed the concept of operant conditioning.
behaviourism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for behaviourism
- behavioral psychology
- behavioral science
Phrases with behaviourism
a branch of behaviourism that emphasizes the importance of environmental variables in determining behavior, while rejecting the idea of internal mental states.
Example
Radical behaviourism posits that all behavior is shaped by environmental factors, rather than internal mental states.
a branch of behaviourism that restricts itself to the study of observable and measurable behavior, without making assumptions about underlying mental states.
Example
Methodological behaviourism is concerned only with observable behavior, and does not attempt to make inferences about underlying mental processes.
a branch of behaviourism that acknowledges the existence of internal mental states, but argues that they should not be used as a basis for psychological research.
Example
Psychological behaviourism recognizes the existence of mental states, but argues that they are not useful for understanding behavior.
Origins of behaviourism
from behavior + -ism
Summary: behaviourism in Brief
Behaviourism [bɪˈheɪvjərɪzəm] is a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior, disregarding mental processes. It posits that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioral events. Behaviourism is often associated with the work of B.F. Skinner, who developed the concept of operant conditioning.
