Psych Final
... Lessons 1 8
Ivan Pavlov (1849 to 1936), a Russian psychologist, is the founding father of the behaviorist school. The behaviorist perspective focuses on observable behaviors rather than mental processes, such as thinking and consciousness. The underlying principle of behavior is and is all behaviorisms, both adaptive and now adaptive, is acquired through learning. One study that Pavlov undertook was that digestive pattern of dogs when he came across an interesting phenomenon. Pavlov learned during the study that the dogs would salivate at the sound of keys are being jingled as the unlocked the doors to the rooms where they were being kept in. John B. Watson (1878 to 1958) is another pioneer in the field of behaviorism, who read of Pavlov's work with dogs and decided to expand on his theories. Watson believed that psychology should not concern itself with the mind or consciousness but rather with observable behaviors. Building on Pavlov's early work Watson applied the concept of stimulus response theory to laboratory experiments in a strictly controlled environment using animals and then later, humans.
B.F. Skinner, often referred to as the greatest contemporary psychologist, continued the work of behaviorism. Skinner's approach to psychology was that he believed that all behavior changes will continue to change as a result of its consequences. Skinner also believed that environmental consequences shape human behavior rather than free will. One way that he applied his theories was by treating patients with schizophrenia. In his treatment of schizophrenia patients he was able to get them to speak after being mute for many years. Skinner also applied his theories by improving safety and manufacturing plants, also in teaching basic skills to mentally retarded people. B.F. Skinner's principles can be seen in amusement parks or circuses, for their...
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