Behavioral Psychology: What It Is and How It Began
Behavioral psychology, often called behaviorism, is a part of psychology focused on studying what people do, also known as behaviors.
It looks at how we learn these behaviors or how they change. Behaviorism believes that all behaviors come from how we interact with the world around us. It does not rely on feelings or thoughts that we cannot see. Instead, it focuses on actions that we can measure.
Important People:
John B. Watson (1913): He started behaviorism. Watson said that psychology should pay attention to what we can see people doing, not just what they are thinking or feeling inside.
B.F. Skinner: He created the idea of operant conditioning. This is about how rewards and punishments can change the way we act.
When Behaviorism Was Popular:
Behaviorism was very important in American psychology between the 1920s and the 1960s. During this time, many new ways to research psychology were developed.
Even in the early 2000s, around half of psychology programs still focused on behavioral methods.
Why It Matters Today:
Today, behavioral techniques are used in many types of therapy. A popular way, known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is said to work well about 80% of the time for issues like anxiety and depression.
By understanding behaviorism, we can make better treatment plans. This helps us improve areas like education, therapy, and changing behaviors.
Behavioral Psychology: What It Is and How It Began
Behavioral psychology, often called behaviorism, is a part of psychology focused on studying what people do, also known as behaviors.
It looks at how we learn these behaviors or how they change. Behaviorism believes that all behaviors come from how we interact with the world around us. It does not rely on feelings or thoughts that we cannot see. Instead, it focuses on actions that we can measure.
Important People:
John B. Watson (1913): He started behaviorism. Watson said that psychology should pay attention to what we can see people doing, not just what they are thinking or feeling inside.
B.F. Skinner: He created the idea of operant conditioning. This is about how rewards and punishments can change the way we act.
When Behaviorism Was Popular:
Behaviorism was very important in American psychology between the 1920s and the 1960s. During this time, many new ways to research psychology were developed.
Even in the early 2000s, around half of psychology programs still focused on behavioral methods.
Why It Matters Today:
Today, behavioral techniques are used in many types of therapy. A popular way, known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is said to work well about 80% of the time for issues like anxiety and depression.
By understanding behaviorism, we can make better treatment plans. This helps us improve areas like education, therapy, and changing behaviors.