Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
07:54
Detecting Behavioral Deficits in Rats After Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 30, 2018
Behaviorism: Are reports of its death exaggerated?
The Behavior Analyst
|April 6, 2012
Summary
Behaviorism is not dying but is a vital and growing field. Evidence from historical opinions, professional associations, and publications confirms its current relevance and expansion in psychology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Behaviorism is often perceived as declining in contemporary psychology.
- This perception contrasts with the ongoing relevance and application of behavioral principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current vitality and growth of behaviorism.
- To challenge the notion that behaviorism is obsolete.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical perspectives on behaviorism.
- Assessment of the number of professional associations dedicated to behaviorism.
- Quantitative review of behavioral publications over time.
Main Results:
- Data indicate that behaviorism remains a significant area within psychology.
- Evidence suggests an increasing trend in behavioral research and publications.
- Professional associations and historical viewpoints support behaviorism's sustained presence.
Conclusions:
- Behaviorism is currently vital and experiencing growth.
- Contrary to some reports, behaviorism continues to be a dynamic and expanding field in psychological science.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Behaviorism
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...
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...
02:40The Scientific Method
Research is what makes the difference between facts and opinions. Facts are observable realities, and opinions are personal judgments, conclusions, or attitudes that may or may not be accurate. In the scientific community, facts can be established only using evidence collected through empirical research.
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:23Principles of Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning, as described by Ivan Pavlov, is a foundational concept in associative learning, where a neutral stimulus becomes capable of eliciting a conditioned response through association with an unconditioned stimulus. The process of acquisition, where this learning occurs, and the subsequent phenomena of contiguity, contingency, generalization, discrimination, extinction, and spontaneous recovery are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of classical conditioning.
During the...
During the...
01:19The 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...
02:20Milgram's Obedience to Authority
Obedience to authority is classically demonstrated in a more famous series of social psychology experiments performed by Stanley Milgram. He was a social psychology professor at Yale who was influenced by the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal. Eichmann’s defense for the atrocities he committed was that he was “just following orders.”