View synonyms for behaviorism

behaviorism

[ bih-heyv-yuh-riz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Psychology.

the theory or doctrine that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioral events, in contrast with subjective mental states.

behaviorism

A theory that psychology is essentially a study of external human behavior rather than internal consciousness and desires. ( See B. F. Skinner )

Discover More

Other Words From

be·havior·ist noun adjective
be·havior·istic adjective
be·havior·isti·cal·ly adverb

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of behaviorism¹

First recorded in 1910–15; behavior + -ism

Discover More

Example Sentences

Even as behaviorism took center stage — Watson wrote a best-selling book on how to raise children based on conditioning principles — some psychologists addressed mental life.

From Science News

His model emerged in a period when the school of thought dominating psychology was behaviorism, which explicitly rejected analysis of what was going on inside the organism, or the brain, in favor of the study of overt behavior.

From Nautilus

Related Words

Word of the Day

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

behavioral science behavior modification

Browse