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Psychological operationisms at Harvard: Skinner, Boring, and Stevens
1Department of Philosophy, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences
|December 10, 2020
Summary
This study revisits the history of psychological operationism, focusing on the Harvard debates surrounding operational definitions before Stanley S. Stevens' influential papers. Understanding colleagues' perspectives offers a fuller picture of Stevens' contributions to conceptual hygiene.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- History of Science
Background:
- Contemporary discussions on operational definition often reference Stanley S. Stevens' work on psychological operationism.
- Stevens was not alone in advocating for conceptual rigor; colleagues like B. F. Skinner and E. G. Boring also applied Bridgman's principles to psychology.
Observation:
- This research reconstructs the Harvard debates on operational definition preceding Stevens' key publications.
- Utilizes extensive archival evidence from Harvard University Archives.
Findings:
- The operationisms of Stevens' mentors and colleagues at Harvard's Department of Philosophy and Psychology are explored.
- A deeper understanding of Stevens' contributions emerges from examining these earlier influences.
Implications:
- Provides a more complete historical understanding of operationism and psychological conceptualization.
- Highlights the importance of collegial and historical context in scientific development.
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