Chapter 13: Neobehaviourism

Question 1

Edwin Ray Guthrie

Answer 1

American psychologist known for his work on learning, particularly the concept of “contiguity theory.” He believed that learning was a result of the association between a particular stimulus and a response, emphasizing the role of the temporal contiguity between the two. He proposed the Law of Contiguity, which suggested that a combination of a stimulus and a response would lead to the formation of a habit, reinforcing the association between the two.

Question 2

Clark Leonard Hull

Answer 2

An influential American psychologist recognized for his development of a comprehensive theory of behavior known as “Hullian theory.” His work was instrumental in bridging the gap between behaviorism and neobehaviorism. His approach focused on the interplay between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses, emphasizing the role of reinforcement in learning. He introduced the concept of “habit strength,” which represents the degree of association between a stimulus and a response. He also proposed the concept of “drive reduction,” highlighting the role of internal drives in motivating behavior.

Question 3

Burrhus Frederic Skinner

Answer 3

An influential American psychologist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of behaviorism. He developed the theory of “operant conditioning,” which focused on the modification of behavior through the use of reinforcements or punishments. Introduced the concept of the “Skinner box,” an experimental apparatus used to study the principles of operant conditioning in animals. His work emphasized the importance of environmental consequences in shaping behavior, highlighting the role of positive and negative reinforcement.

Question 4

Edward Chace Tolman

Answer 4

An American psychologist known for his research on purposive behavior and cognitive maps. He developed the concept of “purposive behaviorism,” which emphasized the study of behavior in relation to internal cognitive processes. Introduced the idea of “intervening variables,” which served as theoretical constructs to explain the relationship between environmental stimuli and behavior. His research on rats and maze learning demonstrated the importance of cognitive processes in the formation of cognitive maps, highlighting the role of hypotheses, expectancies, and beliefs in guiding behavior.

Question 5

Behaviour therapy (Skinner)

Answer 5

A form of therapy that focuses on changing or modifying maladaptive behaviors through various techniques and interventions. It is based on the principles of behaviorism and aims to address specific behavioral issues by employing strategies such as reinforcement, punishment, and conditioning.

Question 6

Belief (Tolman)

Answer 6

Defined by Tolman, refers to an individual’s subjective understanding or acceptance of a proposition or statement. It represents the cognitive aspect of an individual’s mental state, encompassing their acceptance or conviction regarding a specific idea or concept.

Question 7

Cognitive map (Tolman)

Answer 7

A mental representation or internal model that individuals use to navigate and understand their environment. It is a mental framework that allows individuals to organize spatial information, make decisions, and plan routes based on their understanding of the spatial layout of their surroundings.

Question 8

Confirmation (Tolman)

Answer 8

Refers to the process of validating or verifying a hypothesis, belief, or expectancy through experiences or observations. It involves the reinforcement of a previously held belief or expectation based on the successful outcomes or results of specific actions or events.

Question 9

Descriptive behaviourism (Skinner)

Answer 9

Perspective in psychology that focuses on the objective description and analysis of observable behavior without attributing any internal mental states or processes. It emphasizes the study of behavior as a response to environmental stimuli, disregarding the role of internal cognitive processes in shaping behavior.

Question 10

Drive reduction (Clark Hull)

Answer 10

Introduced by Hull, which refers to the process by which internal physiological needs or drives motivate individuals to engage in specific behaviors aimed at reducing or satisfying these physiological needs. It highlights the role of internal states in driving behavior.

Question 11

Expectancy (Tolman)

Answer 11

Associated with Tolman, which refers to an individual’s anticipation or prediction of a future outcome or event based on previous experiences or knowledge. It represents the cognitive aspect of an individual’s mental state, reflecting their anticipated or expected result of specific actions or behaviors.

Question 12

Functional analysis (Skinner)

Answer 12

A method used in psychology to examine and understand the functional relationships between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses. It involves analyzing the specific environmental conditions that elicit, maintain, or influence particular behaviors, emphasizing the functional significance of these behaviors within a specific context.

Question 13

Habit strength (Tolman)

Answer 13

Proposed by Hull, denotes the degree of association or linkage between a specific stimulus and a particular behavioral response. It represents the strength or intensity of the habit formed as a result of repeated associations between environmental stimuli and behavioral reactions.

Question 14

Hypothesis (Tolman)

Answer 14

A proposed explanation or prediction based on limited evidence or initial observations. It serves as a tentative proposition that can be tested and validated through further research or experimentation, aiming to explain a particular phenomenon or set of observations.

Question 15

Hypothetico-deductive theory (Hull)

Answer 15

An approach in science that involves the formulation of hypotheses based on existing theories or observations, followed by the testing of these hypotheses through empirical research or experimentation. It emphasizes the systematic process of deriving conclusions or predictions from specific hypotheses and subsequently testing these predictions through empirical evidence.

Question 16

Instrumental conditioning (operant conditioning)

Answer 16

A form of learning in which behaviors are modified or shaped through the use of reinforcements or punishments. It involves the association of specific behaviors with desired or undesired consequences, leading to the strengthening or weakening of these behaviors over time.

Question 17

Intervening variables (Thorndike)

Answer 17

Introduced by Edward, representing unobservable internal processes or states that mediate the relationship between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses. They serve as theoretical tools for explaining the underlying cognitive processes influencing behavior.

Question 18

Latent extinction (Tolman)

Answer 18

Decline or elimination of a learned response or behavior that remains dormant or suppressed until certain conditions or stimuli lead to the cessation of the previously reinforced behavior. It involves the gradual fading of a learned behavior in the absence of further reinforcement.

Question 19

Latent learning (Tolman)

Answer 19

Introduced by Tolman, which denotes the acquisition of knowledge or skills that are not immediately expressed in behavior but can be demonstrated or utilized when appropriate incentives or motivations are present. It highlights the role of internal cognitive processes in the acquisition of knowledge or information.

Question 20

Law of contiguity (Guthrie)

Answer 20

Principle proposed by Edwin Ray Guthrie, emphasizing the role of temporal contiguity or proximity between a specific stimulus and a corresponding behavioral response. It suggests that the repeated association of a stimulus with a response leads to the formation of a habit or learned behavior.

Question 21

Logical positivism (Vienna Circle)

Answer 21

Philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and logical analysis in the validation and verification of scientific theories and concepts. It advocates for the use of logical and empirical methods to assess the meaningfulness and validity of scientific claims or propositions.

Question 22

Maintaining stimuli (Guthrie)

Answer 22

Specific environmental conditions or factors that sustain or reinforce particular behaviors, preventing the extinction or elimination of these behaviors. They represent the external stimuli or conditions that support the continuation or persistence of specific learned responses.

Question 23

Molecular behaviour (Tolman)

Answer 23

Specific, isolated behavioral responses or reactions to individual stimuli, emphasizing the analysis of discrete behavioral units or components rather than comprehensive behavioral patterns or structures. It focuses on the examination of individual elements of behavior without considering the broader context or underlying cognitive processes.

Question 24

Neobehaviourism

Answer 24

A modernized version of behaviorism that integrates elements of cognitive psychology and other theoretical approaches into the study of behavior. It emphasizes the importance of internal cognitive processes, intervening variables, and the role of mental states in shaping behavior, departing from the strict environmental determinism of traditional behaviorism.

Question 25

Observational terms

Answer 25

Descriptive language or terminology used to characterize and define specific observable behaviors or events. They involve the objective description and analysis of external behavioral manifestations, emphasizing the empirical observation and recording of behavioral patterns or responses.

Question 26

One-trial learning (Guthrie)

Answer 26

The rapid acquisition of knowledge or the formation of a learned response as a result of a single exposure or experience. It suggests that certain behaviors or associations can be acquired after a single instance of exposure to specific stimuli, indicating the quick acquisition of new information or skills.

Question 27

Operant behaviour

Answer 27

A form of behavior that is influenced or modified by the consequences or outcomes associated with specific actions or responses. It involves the voluntary engagement in behaviors that are shaped or conditioned through the use of reinforcements, punishments, or other environmental consequences.

Question 28

Operational definition (Thorndike)

Answer 28

A precise and specific definition of a concept or variable that outlines the specific procedures or operations used to measure or manipulate it. It involves the clear and unambiguous description of the methods or techniques employed to assess or quantify a particular phenomenon or construct.

Question 29

Operationism (Percy Bridgman, elaborating on Mach)

Answer 29

Philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of defining theoretical concepts or constructs in terms of specific, observable operations or procedures. It involves the systematic linking of theoretical constructs to measurable, observable events or phenomena, promoting a rigorous and empirical approach to scientific inquiry.

Question 30

Performance (Tolman)

Answer 30

Observable execution or demonstration of specific behaviors, skills, or tasks within a particular context or setting. It involves the actual enactment or implementation of learned behaviors or responses, highlighting the overt manifestation of acquired knowledge or skills.

Question 31

Physicalism (Percy)

Answer 31

Philosophical position that asserts the fundamental primacy of physical entities and processes in the explanation of natural phenomena. It advocates for the reduction of all phenomena, including mental states and consciousness, to physical processes and entities, emphasizing the materialistic basis of the natural world.

Question 32

Positivism (Skinner)

Answer 32

Philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, scientific inquiry, and logical analysis in the validation and verification of knowledge claims or propositions. It promotes the use of systematic observation and experimentation to assess the validity and reliability of scientific theories and concepts.

Question 33

Purposive behaviour (Tolman)

Answer 33

Goal-directed or intentional behavior that is influenced by internal cognitive processes and motivations. It involves the purposeful engagement in specific actions or activities aimed at achieving desired goals or outcomes, emphasizing the cognitive aspects of behavior and decision-making.

Question 34

Purposive behaviourism (Tolman)

Answer 34

Psychological perspective that combines the principles of behaviorism with an emphasis on the role of internal cognitive processes and mental states in shaping behavior. It highlights the purposive nature of behavior, emphasizing the goal-directed and intentional aspects of human actions and decision-making.

Question 35

Reaction potential (Hull)

Answer 35

An individual’s predisposition or tendency to respond in a particular way to specific environmental stimuli or events. It represents the inherent capacity or readiness to exhibit specific behaviors or reactions in response to external conditions or situational cues.

Question 36

Reinforcement (Hull)

Answer 36

The use of rewards or punishments to strengthen or weaken specific behaviors or responses. It involves the application of consequences that increase the likelihood of a particular behavior occurring again (positive reinforcement) or decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring (negative reinforcement).

Question 37

Respondent behaviour (Skinner)

Answer 37

Reflexive or involuntary behavioral responses elicited by specific environmental stimuli or events. It involves automatic reactions to external stimuli, highlighting the role of conditioned or unconditioned reflexes in shaping certain behavioral responses.

Question 38

S-R psychology

Answer 38

The study of the relationship between specific stimuli (S) and corresponding behavioral responses (R) without considering the internal cognitive processes mediating this relationship. It emphasizes the analysis of the direct association between environmental stimuli and observable behavioral reactions.

Question 39

Theoretical terms

Answer 39

Abstract or conceptual constructs used in scientific theories to explain and interpret empirical observations or phenomena postulated to account for the underlying mechanisms or principles governing specific natural phenomena or events.

Question 40

Token economies (Skinner)

Answer 40

Systems or environments in which desirable behaviors are reinforced through the use of tokens, points, or other symbolic rewards that can be exchanged for various privileges or incentives. They are often employed in educational and therapeutic settings to encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.

Question 41

Vicarious trial and error learning (Tolman)

Answer 41

A form of learning that involves the observation and imitation of specific behaviors or actions based on the experiences or outcomes of others. It emphasizes the role of observational learning and social modeling in the acquisition of new behaviors or skills based on the observed consequences of others’ actions.