behaviorism

Definition

A theoretical approach in psychology that focuses exclusively on observable actions and measurable external responses, rather than internal thoughts or feelings.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'behavior' with the suffix '-ism', indicating a doctrine or system. It emerged in the early 20th century as a school of thought that sought to establish psychology as an objective science by rejecting the study of consciousness.

In the news

Gail Hornstein mentions that she studied psychology during the heyday of Skinnerian behaviorism, which dominated the field and prioritized measurable behavior over the complex subjective experiences she was interested in.

First-Person Knowledge and the Meanings of Madness: An Interview with Gail Hornstein

Mad In America

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