Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Behaviorism01:28

Behaviorism

4.0K
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...
4.0K
Behavior Modification01:21

Behavior Modification

407
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
407
The Behavioral Perspective on Personality01:19

The Behavioral Perspective on Personality

607
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.
607
Naturalistic Observations02:30

Naturalistic Observations

16.8K
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
16.8K
Defining Psychology01:24

Defining Psychology

7.2K
Psychology is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding both observable behavior and the internal mental processes underlying such behavior. It aims to comprehend human nature and apply this understanding to solve practical problems, enhance well-being, and improve societal outcomes. An example of psychology's application is the study of prosocial behavior, such as why and under what conditions individuals might help strangers in need. This process involves describing observed...
7.2K
Law of Effect01:06

Law of Effect

2.1K
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...
2.1K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Remarkably reproducible psychological (memory) phenomena in the classroom: some evidence for generality from small-N research.

BMC psychology·2022
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests
08:30

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests

Published on: September 6, 2024

2.3K

Historically recontextualizing Sidman's Tactics: How behavior analysis avoided psychology's methodological Ouroboros.

Abdulrazaq A Imam1

  • 1John Carroll University.

Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
|December 18, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Psychology faces methodological challenges due to over-reliance on statistical tools, leading to ritualistic practices. Emphasizing scientist expertise, as advocated by Sidman (1960), offers a path beyond these cycles.

Keywords:
NHSTSidmanbehavior analysishistorypsychological sciencesingle-subject designssmall-N designsstatistical reporting

More Related Videos

Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats
08:30

Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats

Published on: February 15, 2015

21.3K
Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
09:00

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Published on: October 3, 2020

4.2K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests
08:30

Author Spotlight: Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in Fruit Flies — Genetic Models and Behavioral Tests

Published on: September 6, 2024

2.3K
Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats
08:30

Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats

Published on: February 15, 2015

21.3K
Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
09:00

Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm

Published on: October 3, 2020

4.2K

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Research Methodology
  • Scientific Philosophy

Background:

  • Psychology is experiencing significant methodological shifts, prompting a re-evaluation of data analysis and reporting standards.
  • Davidson (2018) posits that psychology's methodological crises originate from 'mechanical objectivity,' where analytical tools are uncritically adopted as definitive sources of knowledge.
  • This reliance has led to institutionalized, ritualistic use of methods, exemplified by the uncritical application of null hypothesis statistical testing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the concept of mechanical objectivity in psychological research and its contribution to methodological crises.
  • To examine the institutionalization and ritualistic application of statistical methods within psychology.
  • To propose an alternative framework emphasizing scientist expertise as a safeguard against methodological fads.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis drawing on philosophical and historical perspectives of scientific research.
  • Critique of current statistical practices in psychology, referencing Davidson (2018).
  • Exploration of Sidman's (1960) 'Tactics of Scientific Research' as a contrasting model.

Main Results:

  • The adoption of analytical tools as the primary source of knowledge has led to a cycle of statistical fads, symbolized by the Ouroboros.
  • Null hypothesis statistical testing has become an institutionalized ritual, often used uncritically.
  • Sidman's emphasis on the scientist's experience, expertise, judgment, and decision-making offers a potential solution to psychology's methodological issues.

Conclusions:

  • Psychology's methodological rigor is undermined by an overemphasis on mechanical objectivity and ritualistic statistical practices.
  • A shift towards valuing the scientist's expertise and judgment is crucial for overcoming current methodological limitations.
  • Reintegrating the scientist's active role in research design and interpretation can lead to more robust and meaningful psychological science.