Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding
06:33

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding

Published on: October 11, 2018

Behaviorism and the beginnings of close reading

Joshua Gang

    ELH
    |June 22, 2011
    PubMed

    More Related Videos

    Eye-tracking to Distinguish Comprehension-based and Oculomotor-based Regressive Eye Movements During Reading05:54

    Eye-tracking to Distinguish Comprehension-based and Oculomotor-based Regressive Eye Movements During Reading

    Published on: October 18, 2018

    Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension06:49

    Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension

    Published on: January 10, 2014

    Related Concept Videos

    Behaviorism01:28

    Behaviorism

    The field of behaviorism was pioneered by figures such as Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner fundamentally shifted the focus of psychology to the observable and controllable aspects of human and animal behavior. This shift marked a critical evolution in the discipline, emphasizing scientific rigor and experimental methodology.
    The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
    Structuralism01:26

    Structuralism

    Structuralism, an early psychological theory developed by Wilhelm Wundt and his student Edward Bradford Titchener, sought to dissect the human mind into its most fundamental components. Wundt's groundbreaking work in his laboratory set the stage for Titchener to define structuralism's goal as cataloging the "atoms" of the mind—sensations, images, and feelings—akin to how chemists identify elements of matter.
    Titchener's approach to structuralism was unique. He employed introspection, a method...
    Cognitive Learning01:21

    Cognitive Learning

    Cognitive learning is based on purposive behavior, incidental learning, and insight learning.
    E. C. Tolman's theory of purposive behavior emphasizes that much behavior is goal-directed. He argued that to understand behavior, we must look at the entire sequence of actions leading to a goal. For instance, high school students study hard, not just due to past reinforcement but also to achieve the goal of getting into a good college.
    Tolman introduced the idea that behavior is influenced by...
    Law of Effect01:06

    Law of Effect

    B.F. Skinner, a prominent figure in behavioral psychology, introduced operant conditioning by emphasizing the role of consequences in shaping behavior. This theory builds upon the law of effect proposed by Edward Thorndike, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are likely to be repeated. In contrast, those followed by unsatisfying outcomes are less likely to recur.
    Edward Thorndike's foundational work involved studying learning in animals, particularly using puzzle boxes...
    The Behavioral Perspective on Personality01:19

    The Behavioral Perspective on Personality

    Behaviorists view personality as primarily shaped by environmental reinforcements and consequences. According to this perspective, behavior is influenced by external stimuli, and individuals adjust their actions based on rewards and punishments. Over time, learning histories — accumulated patterns of reinforcement — play a significant role in shaping personality. Behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are reinforced, while those resulting in negative outcomes are diminished. Radical...
    Functionalism01:11

    Functionalism

    William James, John Dewey, and Charles Sanders Peirce were instrumental in founding functional psychology, which draws heavily from Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. This theory suggests that individual traits, including behaviors, are adapted to their environments through natural selection. At the heart of functionalism is the concept of adaptation, meaning that a trait enhances an individual's chances of survival and reproduction.
    James envisioned psychology's role as...