The Science Of Psychology Has Been Moving More Toward ✓ Solved

The science of psychology has steadily been moving more toward a biological basis during the early 20th century but researchers found that it really didn't explain all the nuances of human behavior.

The discussion assignment focuses on exploring the development of psychology, emphasizing Pavlov's experiments, behaviorism from Watson's perspective, comparison between Watson and Skinner, and the broader landscape of psychological approaches. Additionally, it considers the distinction between research and applied psychology and the eclectic nature of the field today.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Psychology, as an evolving science, has undergone significant transformations from its inception, particularly emphasizing a shift toward biological explanations of behavior in the early 20th century. However, despite these advances, researchers soon recognized that solely biological approaches could not fully account for the intricate nuances of human behavior, prompting a broader, more eclectic understanding of psychological phenomena.

Importance of Pavlov's experiments in reflexology

Pavlov's experiments with dogs marked a foundational moment in psychology, particularly in understanding classical conditioning. Through his work, he demonstrated that reflexive behaviors could be conditioned through associations, which challenged prior notions that behaviors were solely instinctive or voluntary. This research laid the groundwork for behavioral theories by illustrating how environmental stimuli could influence physiological responses, emphasizing the role of learning mechanisms. Pavlov's emphasis on observable behavior contributed significantly to the scientific rigor in psychology, steering the discipline toward empirical methods and away from introspective approaches.

Behaviorism from Watson’s perspective

John B. Watson, the father of behaviorism, proposed a perspective that behavior could be understood and predicted purely through observable actions, discounting internal mental states. He believed that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment via processes such as conditioning. Watson's emphasis was on environmental stimuli shaping behavior, advocating for a scientific approach rooted in experimentation and objectivity, positioning psychology as an observable science rather than a speculative philosophical endeavor.

Comparison of Watson's viewpoints with operational positivism and functionalism

From the perspective of operational positivism, Watson’s behaviorism aligns closely because both prioritize observable phenomena and empirical methods. Operationalism defines concepts in measurable terms, which mirrors Watson’s focus on stimulus-response relationships. Conversely, functionalism, influenced by thinkers like William James, emphasized understanding mental processes in terms of their functions in adapting to the environment. Unlike Watson’s strict focus on external behaviors, functionalism acknowledged internal mental processes, making it more inclusive of consciousness and subjective experience.

Therefore, while Watson's behaviorism centers on the environmental determinants of behavior, operational positivism provides a methodological framework emphasizing measurement, and functionalism extends the scope to include mental states and their adaptive purposes. The major contrast lies in Watson's exclusion of mental processes as irrelevant, whereas functionalism sees them as integral to understanding behavior.

Major similarities and differences between Watson and Skinner's behaviorism

Both Watson and B.F. Skinner contributed significantly to behaviorism, sharing a focus on observable behavior and rejection of introspection. Watson laid the groundwork with classical conditioning and emphasized stimulus-response associations. Skinner expanded on this with operant conditioning, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior over time. While Watson treated behavior as a product of predictable responses to environmental stimuli, Skinner introduced the concept that behavior could be controlled and modified intentionally through reinforcement schedules.

The key difference is that Watson viewed behavior as reactive, influenced passively by stimuli, whereas Skinner believed behavior could be actively controlled through consequences, making it more applicable to behavioral modification and therapy.

Influence of Watson and Skinner on research and applied psychology

In terms of influence, Skinner’s operant conditioning has had a more profound effect on applied psychology, particularly in areas like behavior modification, education, and therapy, due to its emphasis on reinforcement strategies. Watson’s contributions significantly advanced experimental psychology, establishing behaviorism as a rigorous scientific approach, but Skinner’s work provided practical tools for shaping behavior in real-world settings.

Research-wise, Skinner’s methodologies allow for precise manipulation of variables and measurement of behaviors, making it highly influential in experimental settings. In applied psychology, Skinner’s principles underpin techniques like token economies and behavioral interventions, demonstrating a direct application of behaviorist theories.

Eclectic view of psychology: Science and applications

Psychology has indeed emerged as a science grounded in empirical research while simultaneously embracing diverse theoretical perspectives. I agree with the notion that psychology maintains an eclectic approach because it integrates biological, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories to comprehensively understand human behavior.

There is a discernible difference between the research aspect—focused on systematic investigation and theory development—and the applied side, which utilizes these theories to solve real-world problems. For example, behavioral research informs clinical interventions, while cognitive psychology supports instructional design and cognitive therapies. This distinction underscores that theoretical perspectives often guide research methodologies, while practical applications adapt these theories to specific contexts, making the field both scientifically rigorous and pragmatically relevant.

Conclusion

Overall, the development of psychology reflects an interplay of various approaches, each contributing valuable insights. Pavlov's classical conditioning was pivotal in establishing a scientific basis for understanding learned behaviors, which influenced behaviorism across different theorists like Watson and Skinner. Although these perspectives differ, their shared focus on observable behavior established a foundation for empirical research. The eclectic nature of psychology today allows for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, integrating biological, cognitive, and behavioral approaches for both scientific inquiry and practical application.

References

• Cherry, K. (2020). The History of Psychology. Verywell Mind.
• Pavlov, I.P. (1927). Conditioned Reflexes. Oxford University Press.
• Watson, J.B. (1913). Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It. Psychological Review, 20(2), 158–177.
• Skinner, B.F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. Free Press.
• William James. (1890). The Principles of Psychology. Henry Holt and Company.
• Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive Psychology. Prentice-Hall.
• Baumeister, R., & Vohs, K. (2016). Handbook of Self-Regulation: Research, Theory, and Applications. Guilford Publications.
• Schacter, D., Gilbert, D., & Wegner, D. (2011). Psychology. Worth Publishers.
• Rothbart, M. (2004). Developing Dispositions in Children: Ethical and Practical Implications. Child Development Perspectives, 2(3), 107–112.
• Gazzaniga, M., Heatherton, T., & Halpern, D. (2018). Psychological Science. W. W. Norton & Company.