Pioneering Psychologist John B. Watson and Behaviorism

Introduction to John B. Watson

• John Broadus Watson introduced behaviorism in the early 20th century, focusing on observable behaviors rather than internal thoughts.
• His influential research on the conditioning process challenged existing psychological views and laid the groundwork for behavioral psychology.
• Best known for the "Little Albert" experiment demonstrating conditioned fear.

Early Life

• Born on January 9, 1878.
• Experienced a strict upbringing due to his mother's religious beliefs.
• Became atheist in adulthood.
• Moved to Greenville, South Carolina during childhood, which developed his social skills and interest in human behavior.
• Attended Furman University at 16; graduated with a master's degree.
• Earned a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Chicago in 1903.

Career Highlights

• Began teaching psychology at Johns Hopkins University in 1908.
• In 1913, delivered influential "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It" lecture at Columbia University.
  • Emphasized psychology as the science of observable behavior.
  • Rejected introspection as a method in psychology.

The "Little Albert" Experiment

• Conducted with Rosalie Rayner to demonstrate conditioning of fear in a child.
• Used a loud noise in association with a white rat to condition fear.
• Fear was generalized to other white, furry objects.
• Ethical concerns due to lack of de-conditioning.
• Follow-up research suggested "Little Albert" may have been Douglas Merritte or Albert Barger.

Post-Academic Life

• Resigned from Johns Hopkins University in 1920 due to personal scandal.
• Married Rayner and raised two sons with behaviorist principles.
• Transitioned to a career in advertising, applying psychological principles.
• Retired in 1945.
• Deteriorating relationships with children, resulting in tragic family outcomes.

Contributions to Psychology

• Founded behaviorism as a dominant school of thought.
• Demonstrated that emotional responses could be conditioned.
• Influenced child-rearing practices and demonstrated the application of psychological principles in areas like advertising.

Legacy and Influence

• Behaviorism influenced therapy, education, and parenting strategies.
• Concepts still utilized in cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, and other psychological practices.

Achievements and Selected Publications

• Served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1915.
• Published influential works such as Psychology From the Standpoint of a Behaviorist (1919) and Behaviorism (1925).
• Received APA's Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions in 1957.

Famous Quote

• Advocated the idea that environment shapes behavior with his famous quote about training infants to become specialists.

Conclusion

• Watson’s behaviorism helped shape the field of psychology and influenced various areas such as therapy and education.
• Although behaviorism is no longer dominant, its principles continue to be important in modern psychology.