The spelling of "behavioristic psychology" is based on the pronunciation of the word. The word starts with the consonant sound "b" and is followed by the "eh" sound pronounced as in "bed". The next syllable "hav" starts with the "h" sound followed by the "æ" vowel sound as in "cat". Then comes the vowel sound "ior" pronounced as "ee-or". The last syllable "ist" is pronounced with the "ih" vowel sound as in "it" followed by the "st" consonant sound. So the IPA transcription for "behavioristic psychology" would be /bɪˌheɪvbjʊˈrɪstɪk saɪˈkɑlədʒi/.
Behavioristic psychology, also known as behaviorism, is a school of thought within psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behavior rather than subjective mental processes. It is a systematic approach to understanding human and animal behavior, focusing on external behaviors that can be objectively measured and analyzed. Behaviorists believe that behavior is shaped by the environment and is a product of learning and conditioning processes.
Behavioristic psychology rejects the study of inner mental states, such as thoughts, emotions, and motives, as they are considered to be inaccessible and unobservable. Instead, behaviorists propose that behavior can be explained through the principles of stimulus-response associations, reinforcement, and punishment. They argue that all behaviors, whether simple or complex, can be understood through these principles and that behavior is determined by the situation or context in which it occurs.
Pioneered by psychologists such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, behavioristic psychology heavily relies on experimentation and empirical observations. It places emphasis on objective and measurable data, often conducting studies with animals to generalize findings to human behavior. Behavioristic psychologists use techniques such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning to understand and modify behavior.
Behavioristic psychology has had a significant impact on various areas, including education, therapy, and animal training. It has provided practical techniques and interventions to shape behavior, treat psychological disorders, and improve learning outcomes. However, it has also faced criticism for oversimplifying human behavior and neglecting the role of cognitive processes and subjective experiences.
The word "behavioristic psychology" is derived from two main sources: "behaviorism" and "psychology".
The term "behaviorism" originated from "behavior" and the suffix "-ism". The word "behavior" traces back to the Middle English word "behavoure", which means "conduct" or "action". It further comes from the Old French word "behaviour", meaning "manner of conducting oneself". The French word originates from the Latin word "behabere", which combines "habere" (to have or hold) with the prefix "be-" (signifying intensive or thoroughly). Therefore, "behavior" refers to the way individuals carry themselves, act, or conduct their actions.
The suffix "-ism" is derived from the Greek suffix "-ismos", indicating "a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy".