A Closer Look at Behaviorism

If you've ever tried to train a dog to sit or fetch using rewards and praise, then you have first hand experience putting some of the basic principles of behaviorism to use. Behaviorism was a central force in psychology at one point in history and the theories and ideas that emerged during that time are often used today in psychology, therapy, animal training, education, parenting and many other areas.

The dominance of behaviorism during much of the 20th-century left a lasting mark on psychology. This school of thought began to fall from favor during the 1960s and 1970s as other areas such as cognitive psychology began to take hold.

Many people are at least somewhat familiar with the basics of behaviorism. Behavioral techniques including reinforcement and token economies are often utilized by both parents and teachers. While the failure to account for internal mental states contributed to the decline of behaviorism, it continues to play an important role in psychology.

Learn more about the history and applications of this branch of psychology in this overview of behaviorism.