Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 33%

What is the goal of behaviorism, as defined by John Watson?

Rationale

Predicting and controlling behavior

John Watson, a key figure in behaviorism, emphasized the importance of being able to predict and control behavior through the manipulation of stimuli in the environment. This approach focused on observable behaviors and rejected the study of internal mental processes.

A (Predicting and controlling behavior) CORRECT

Watson believed that the main goal of behaviorism was to predict and control behavior by understanding the relationship between stimuli and responses. By manipulating environmental factors, behaviorists sought to influence and shape behavior in a predictable manner.

B (Understanding the causes of behavior) YOUR ANSWER

While understanding the causes of behavior is important in psychology, behaviorism, as defined by Watson, prioritizes the ability to predict and control behavior over delving into the internal motivations or mental processes behind it. This approach is more concerned with observable actions rather than underlying causes.

C (Preventing self-defeating behaviors) YOUR ANSWER

Preventing self-defeating behaviors may be a goal in certain therapeutic approaches, but behaviorism, particularly in Watson's view, focuses more on the external factors that influence behavior and the ability to manipulate these factors to produce desired behavioral outcomes.

D (Treating disorders related to behavior) YOUR ANSWER

Treating behavior-related disorders falls more into the realm of applied behavior analysis and behavioral therapy, which draw from behaviorist principles but extend beyond Watson's original emphasis on prediction and control of behavior through environmental manipulation.

Conclusion

In line with Watson's perspective, behaviorism is primarily concerned with predicting and controlling behavior through the manipulation of environmental stimuli. By focusing on observable actions and responses, behaviorists aim to understand and influence behavior in a systematic and predictable manner, setting them apart from other psychological approaches that delve into internal mental processes or therapeutic interventions.

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