Introduction
Behaviorism is a school of thought founded on the idea that all behaviors are often learned through interaction with the environment. Two of the most renowned figures in the school of behaviorism are B.F. Skinner and John Watson believed that the behavior of infants is often determined by the environment they are raised rather than their genetics or parents. Although these theorists shared a common approach to the concept of behaviorism, they employed diverse differences in their applications and theoretical frameworks. Understanding the differences and similarities between Watson and Skinner will provide valuable insights into how behaviors are often controlled and shaped from varying perspectives.
Similarities between John Watson and B.F. Skinner
- Both Skinner and Watson were proponents of behaviorism theory who emphasized on the role played by environmental factors in shaping an individual’s behavior.
- Both theorists believed that behavior is a form of data that can be understood through measurable and observable actions, instead of mental processes (Malone, 2014).
- Skinner and Watson both engaged in a series of animal experiments to understand the concept of behavior. Watson is best remembered for the famous experiment, Little Albert that involved conditioning fear in a young boy called Albert by pairing the appearance of a white rat with loud noise in which he demonstrated the principle of classical conditioning and showed the influence of environmental factors in behavior. Skinner on the other hand carried out experiments with pigeons and rats in operant conditioning that involved using a skinner box to understand how behavior is often shaped by reinforcements (Ziafar & Namaziandost, 2019).
- Both theorists criticized traditional approaches to psychology that emphasized on the role of mental processes such as psychoanalysis and instead, embraced a more scientific and objective approach to behaviorism.
Differences between John Watson and B.F. Skinner
Skinner and Watson adopted varying theoretical approaches. Watson focused on classical conditioning that involved pairing repeatedly a conditioned stimulus (C.S.) with unconditioned stimulus(U.S.) to produce a conditioned response (C.R.) (Ziafar & Namaziandost, 2019). From In the Little Albert experiment, Watson paired the white rat (C.S.) with loud noise (U.S.) to elicit fear response in the child over time. On the contrary, Skinner focused on operant conditioning, which involved the use of punishments and rewards to influence behavior.
Although both Skinner and Watson believed in the power of environmental factors to shape behavior, Watson downplayed the significance of internal factors such as emotions and cognition while Skinner insisted that these factors are influential in understanding behavior (Malone, 2014). These theorists also differed in terms of methodologies adopted to study behavior. Watson focused on observable behavior and argued that behavior should be analyzed quantitatively and objectively through direct observation.
On the other hand, Skinner employed the use of an operant conditioning chamber, known as the skinner box to understand behavior in a controlled setting such as a laboratory. This approach involved the use of punishment and rewards to shape behavior, and argued that behavior could be influenced by manipulating various environmental factors.
Influence of the Theorists
Many years later, B.F. Skinner’s study of behavior reinforcement and modification continues to influence how children and adults are treated in different settings. His concepts about operant conditioning as well as the use of punishments and rewards to influence behavior is currently being applied in a range of contexts such as workplaces, parenting, schools, and prisons. Most importantly, the concept of operant conditioning is used in applied behavior analysis (ABA) to treat individuals with various developmental disorders. His philosophies on behavior modification are used in various parts of the world to motivate learners and influence their academic performance.
Conclusion
In summary, Skinner and Watson are some of the most influential theorists who emphasized on the significance of environment in shaping an individual’s behavior. Although these theorists shared similarities on the approach employed to understand behavior, they differed in terms of the theoretical approach, methodology, and applications of their theories. Even though they differed, their contributions have influenced modern behavior and left an indelible mark in the field of psychology.
References
Malone, J. C. (2014). Did John B. Watson really “found” behaviorism? The Behavior Analyst, 37(1), 1-12.
Ziafar, M., & Namaziandost, E. (2019). From Behaviorism to New Behaviorism: A Review Study. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 12(2), 109-116.
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