Chapter 14: Problem 1

According to behaviorism, what is the proper subject matter of psychology? How does this relate to the study of personality?

Short Answer

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According to behaviorism, the proper subject matter of psychology is observable behavior. The study of personality, from a behaviorist perspective, is a collection of learned behavior patterns. These patterns are developed through interactions with the environment and responses to various stimuli.

Step by step solution

Understanding behaviorism

Firstly, it's crucial to understand the behaviorism perspective in psychology. Behaviorists believe that the proper subject matter of psychology is observable behavior, not internal events like thinking, emotions. They believe psychology should be a science rooted in empirical evidence, focusing primarily on overt behaviors that can be observed and measured objectively.

Relation to study of personality

In the behaviorist view, personality is a collection of learned behavior patterns. These patterns of behavior are acquired through the process of conditioning. According to behaviorists, our responses to environmental stimuli shape our actions.

Synthesize and correlate

Given these facts about behaviorism, it's evident that in their view, the study of personality directly relates to the observation and measurement of behavior. Personality, in this perspective, is not something inherent; it's learned and modified by an individual's interaction with the external environment.

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According to behaviorism, what is the proper subject matter of psychology? How does this relate to the study of personality?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding behaviorism

Relation to study of personality

Synthesize and correlate

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