The strength and limitation of behaviorism and humanism

The study of human personality has numerous theories. Humanism and behaviorism both provide solid aspects in the study of human behavior. Behaviorism operates on the basic assumptions that psychology should be approached from scientific manner. A central strength of behaviorism is that results can be reliably reproduced experimentally such as in a Skinner box or a similar apparatus. Since reflexes are strictly defined as physiological interactions, behaviorism cannot explain individual differences in human learning, variations in learning-styles and the influence of personality on learning (Rosander, 2013; Kamarulzaman, 2014). The humanistic approach believes individuals have free will rather than being influenced by external forces. One of the strengths of the humanistic approach is that it emphasizes individual choice and responsibility. Criticisms of the approach include its lack of effectiveness in treating severe mental issues and the generalization made about human nature, as well as the complete rejection of some important behaviorist and psychoanalytic concepts.