Behaviorism is the study of human behavior (Psychology History,
1999). This psychological perspective suggests that the focus of study and
research should be the observable and measurable behavior. The issues in this
form of psychology are the environment, the conscious, observable behavior,
determinism (behavior is produced by factors outside of one’s control), and
individual differences/universal principles (McGraw - Hill, 2011). Edward
Tolman, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner were three of the earliest to study
behaviorism. While Watson and Skinner focused broadly on behaviorism, Tolman
studied cognitive behaviorism. This paper will explain the perspectives of each
psychologist as well as how they are similar and different.
Perspective of Edward Tolman
Edward Tolman identified himself as a behaviorist; today he is
considered a cognitive behaviorist (Psychology History, 1998). He played a
major role in cognitive psychology during a time that behaviorism was dominant.
His earlier influences were James, Watson, Freud, Holt and the Gestalt
theorists; although he later rejected Watsonian behaviorism. Tolman developed
purposive behaviorism. Through his system of psychology, he attempted to study
the entire action of the entire organism (Britannica Encyclopedias, 2012). Tolman
was original in his methods. This was proven in the way he designed his
experiments (Wendt, 1960). Tolman is credited with the Cognitive Theory of
Learning. He believed learning was developed from knowledge and cognitions
about the environment and how the subject reacted to it. He also believed that
learning was not conditioned. Tolman also developed theories concerning
behavior and motivation. He believed that a motive was the driving force behind
behavior and the behavior continued until the internal motive was satisfied
(Psychology History, 1998).
Perspective of John B. Watson
John
B. Watson was the first American psychologist to publicize the behavioral
approach in psychology. He believed that first one must observe behavior, make
predictions and finally determine casual relationships. He viewed psychology as
objective and experimental. In Watson’s behaviorism, behavior was the
relationship between the stimuli and the subject’s response to it. Watson
believed that psychology was not a true natural science (Watson, 1994). The
main focus of Watsonian behaviorism, which was dominant in the 1920’s and
1930’s, was the study and modification of the subject’s environment. He
believed it was possible to obtain any desired behavior by controlling one’s
environment. Watson was a leading researcher in classical conditioning, the
type of learning where a neutral stimulus comes to elicit a response after
being paired with a stimulus that naturally brought that response (McGraw -
Hill, 2011). One of his popular experiments was “Little Albert” where he paired
a white rat (neutral stimulus) with a loud noise (unconditioned stimulus) to
elicit a frightened response (unconditioned and conditioned response).
Perspective of B.F. Skinner
B.F. Skinner was a behaviorist, although his early interest was
philosophy. He was interested in defining how behavior varied when the
environment was altered. He used operant conditioning, using punishments and
reinforcements, to conduct his research. Skinner also believed that one’s
personality was a collection of learned behaviors (McGraw - Hill, 2011). He was
not interested in psychological theories, rational equations, or other verbal
systems that are required to be proven (Psychology History, 1999). Although
many behaviorists do not see themselves the same as their subjects, this was
not the case for Skinner.
Comparison and Contrast
While Tolman, Watson and Skinner had
different ideology, their theories were similar in some ways. All three were
considered behaviorists although Tolman later became known as a cognitive
behaviorist. All three’s research focused on the environment’s influence on
behavior. However, the similarities on behaviorism ended there. Tolman believed
that behavior could not be conditioned whereas Watson and Skinner believed it
could. Their belief was shown by their work with classical conditioning and
operant conditioning. Tolman’s main belief was that a person’s motivation was
the reason for his or her behavior. Both Tolman and Watson had the outlook that
psychology was not an exact science. Tolman believed that psychology was ever -
changing (Psychology History, 1998). Watson believed that psychology was not an
undisputed natural science and was experimental (Watson, 1994). These three psychologists are evidence that
while one may subscribe to the same psychological perspective; his or her
individual perspective may differ.
Conclusion
Tolman, Watson and Skinner were three
leading psychologists in behaviorism. Though each was considered a behaviorist,
their views on behavior differed. All three focused on how the environment
influenced behavior; however they each arrived at their theory differently.
While two believed behavior could be conditioned, one did not. Tolman, Watson,
and Skinner each pioneered in behaviorism, creating theories that could be used
and tested in modern psychology.
References
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References
