The Influences of John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner on Behaviorism

John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner were two important figures in the field of psychology known as behaviorism. Their ideas were shaped by the events happening around them during their lifetimes.

John B. Watson: His Background

1. Life in Early 1900s America:

   • Watson created behaviorism in the early 1900s when America was changing rapidly due to industrial growth and urban living.
   • People were starting to believe more in science and clear, observable facts. Because of this, Watson focused on what we can see in behavior rather than on personal thoughts and feelings.

2. Saying No to Introspection:

   • Watson didn’t agree with the old ways of understanding psychology, like studying people’s thoughts and feelings. He believed psychology should only look at behavior that can be seen.
   • In his famous 1913 writing, "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It," he insisted that psychology should study behavior, not thoughts.

3. Watson's Impact:

   • Watson’s style was practical, which matched America’s focus on real-world results.
   • One well-known study he did was with a child named Little Albert. He showed how a child could be taught to feel scared of a white rat, showing that behavior could change through experiences.

B.F. Skinner: His Background

1. After World War II:

   • Skinner's work became well-known after World War II, a time when new technology was becoming very important, and many people were interested in changing behavior.
   • The war showed how behavior could be trained in soldiers, which made Skinner focus on how rewards and punishments affect behavior.

2. Using Technology:

   • Skinner created something called the Skinner Box, which helped him study behavior in a controlled setting.
   • His methods were inspired by new technologies, reflecting how much society loved innovation during the mid-20th century.

3. Making a Difference in Society:

   • Skinner wanted to apply his ideas to help with bigger issues like education and therapy.
   • He thought that if we understood behavior better, we could create a society that encouraged good behavior through rewards. This belief led to new ideas in schools and other areas.

Their Impact on Psychology

1. Growing Influence:

   • By the late 1950s, behaviorism was the most popular approach in American psychology. Around 65% of psychology departments in the U.S. followed behaviorist ideas.
   • The American Psychological Association grew a lot during Watson’s and Skinner's time, increasing from about 6,000 members in 1920 to over 70,000 by 1960.

2. Research and Real-Life Use:

   • Skinner's studies showed that 75% of behaviors could be changed using rewards and punishments. This changed how teachers and therapists approached their work.

Conclusion

John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner developed their ideas about behaviorism based on the world around them. Watson moved away from studying thoughts to focus on observable behavior, reflecting the scientific thinking of the early 20th century. Skinner, inspired by the technology and challenges after the World War, created ideas about behavior conditioning. Together, they laid the groundwork for modern psychology and changed how we understand behavior.