Why Pavlov’s experiments in reflexology were an important part in the development of psychology.

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Ex plain why Pavlov’s experiments in reflexology were an important part in the development of psychology.
De scribe behaviorism from Watson’s perspective; then, compare and contrast his viewpoints with operational positivism and the prevailing functionalism.
What are the major similarities and differences between Watson and Skinner’s behaviorism? From your understanding of psychological principles, which of them had a greater influence in the areas of both research and applied psychology?
Psychology seems to have emerged as a science, but with an eclectic view of how to understand behavior. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Is there a difference between the research aspect of psychology and the applied side of psychology in terms of theoretical perspectives?

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Pavlov’s Legacy: The Birth of Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, though not directly related to reflexology (which focuses on involuntary reflexes), laid the groundwork for a major branch of psychology: behavioral psychology. His accidental discovery of classical conditioning demonstrated how learned associations between stimuli could influence behavior. By pairing the sound of a metronome with food, Pavlov conditioned the dogs to salivate at the sound alone. This showed that behavior is not just a product of instinct or internal states, but can be shaped through experience.

Watson’s Behaviorism: A Radical View

John B. Watson, heavily influenced by Pavlov’s work, championed a radical behaviorist view. He believed psychology should focus solely on observable behavior, rejecting the study of internal mental processes like thoughts and feelings. According to Watson, behavior is a result of conditioned reflexes, learned responses to stimuli in the environment. He famously argued that given a healthy child and control over its environment, he could raise it to become any type of specialist.

Contrasting Perspectives: Behaviorism vs. Functionalism & Operational Positivism

  • Operational Positivism: This philosophy, popular at the time, emphasized studying only what can be objectively measured. Watson’s focus on observable behavior aligned with this view.
  • Functionalism: The prevailing school of thought, championed by William James, emphasized the function of behavior in helping organisms adapt to their environment. Watson differed by focusing on the mechanics of learning, not the purpose of behavior.

Watson vs. Skinner: Similarities and Differences in Behaviorism

Both Watson and B.F. Skinner, another prominent behaviorist, believed behavior is learned through interactions with the environment. However, they differed in their specific approaches:

  • Focus: Watson emphasized classical conditioning, while Skinner focused on operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by its consequences (rewards and punishments).
  • Complexity: Watson’s view was simpler, while Skinner’s considered the role of reinforcement schedules and contingencies in shaping complex behaviors.

Influence: Skinner’s work on operant conditioning had a greater long-term impact on both research (e.g., animal behavior studies) and applied psychology (e.g., behavior modification techniques).

Eclecticism in Psychology: A Strength, Not a Weakness

Psychology’s use of various theoretical perspectives is not a weakness, but a strength. Different approaches offer unique lenses to understand the complexities of human behavior.

  • Research: Different theories guide researchers to ask different questions and design diverse experiments, leading to a more comprehensive understanding.
  • Applied Psychology: Therapists may draw from various schools (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy) to tailor interventions to specific client needs.

While research may favor specific approaches to maintain objectivity, applied psychology often benefits from an eclectic view.

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