behaviorism, also known as behaviorism, is an area of psychology, that has behavior as an object of study.
O behaviorism it arose in opposition to functionalism and structuralism, and is one of the three main currents of psychology, along with psychology of form (Gestalt) and analytical psychology (psychoanalysis).
This word comes from the term behavior, which in English means behavior or conduct.
In 1913, an article entitled “Psychology: how behaviorists see it” was published by the American psychologist John Watson (recognized as the father of Methodological Behaviorism). Later, in 1914, in the 1914 work entitled Behavior, Watson once again addressed the concept of behavioral psychology. Watson drew on theories and notions from various thinkers and authors such as Descartes, Pavlov, Loeb and Comte.
O behaviorism contemplates behavior as a functional and reactional form of living organisms. This psychological current does not accept any relationship with the transcendental, with introspection and philosophical aspects, but intends to study objective behaviors that can be observed.
According to Watson, the study of the environment that involves an individual enables the prediction and control of human behavior.
See also: the meaning of Psychoanalysis and of the gestalt.
behaviorism Skinner's radical
O behaviorism radical, a concept proposed by the American psychologist Burrhus Frederic Skinner, was opposed to the behaviorism from Watson. According to Skinner, the behaviorism radical is the philosophy of the science of human behavior, where the environment was responsible for human behavior. This aspect of the behaviorism had great popularity in Brazil and the United States
Skinner was clearly against using unobservable elements to explain human conduct. Thus, cognitive aspects are not considered, because the human being is seen as a homogeneous being, and not as a being that is composed of body and mind.
O behaviorism radical contemplates the stimuli given to individuals by the environment. According to Skinner, these means were known as punishment, positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement.
behaviorism On education
In the field of education, the behaviorism refers to a change in the behavior of the elements involved in the learning process, and this change in teachers and students could improve learning. For Watson, education is an important element capable of transforming the behavior of individuals.
In addition, Watson believed that with specific stimuli, it was possible to "transform" and "shape" a child's behavior so that he could pursue any profession he chose.
