behavioral perspective
Behavioral Perspective in Psychology
The concept of behavioral perspective in psychology evolved over time with contributions made by various scientists and researchers. The outline of the theory of behaviorism and different versions of it can be understood with the information presented below.
Behaviorism is a field of psychology in which the measurable behavior is given prime importance. The environment is considered as the determining factor with respect to an individual's behavior. The core/essence of this approach is that all the actions, feelings, and thoughts of a person can be termed/deemed as behavior. According to this theory, there is no difference between the privately observed processes (thinking and feeling) and the publicly observed ones (actions/behavior).
What is Behavioral Perspective?
The Tabula Rasa theory, also known as the Blank Slate theory, is the base of behaviorism. It is based on the concept that a baby is born without knowledge and the only way to derive it is from its surroundings. There are many different versions of this concept as proposed by different individuals. Descriptions of these versions/viewpoints are presented below.
- Methodological: This version is based on objective study of behavioral patterns. Internal states or mental life is not taken into account in this perspective put forth by the American psychologist John B. Watson.
- Radical: B.F. Skinner played an important role in shaping up radical behaviorism theory. This version is different from methodological perspective with respect to the acceptance of states of mind and feelings. It is also argued that these feelings and states of mind are subject to scientific treatment. Interestingly, the feelings and states of mind are not considered as the causes of behavior exhibited by an individual.
- Theoretical: This approach observable internal states. It is dynamic, but eclectic in choice. The emphasis is on the principle of parsimony as put forth by Occam's razor.
- Biological: In this approach to behavioral psychology, the perceptual aspect of changes in behavior is taken into account. The motor modules that affect behavior are also considered.
- Cognitive: The way an individual perceives a particular situation/scenario influences his/her behavioral pattern according to this perspective. The individual's ability to reason out and solve problems also determines the behavioral pattern.
- Social: Social behavioral perspective takes into account the socio-economic conditions that a person faces in the developmental phase. These conditions are said to affect the behavioral pattern.
- Teleological: The teleological perspective is more inclined towards objective observation. Cognitive processes are not given importance from the point of influencing behavioral patterns.
- Humanistic: The works of Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers influenced this theory. Motivation is considered as a factor that plays an important part in shaping up the behavioral pattern of an individual. Self-actualization is an important concept to be studied in understanding the humanistic perspective.