Behaviourism vs. Neobehaviorism — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Published on November 19, 2024
Behaviourism focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, dismissing internal processes, while neobehaviorism incorporates some internal states into its analysis but still emphasizes observable outcomes.
Difference Between Behaviourism and Neobehaviorism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Behaviourism, established by John B. Watson, posits that psychological research should be based solely on observable behaviors and the environmental stimuli that trigger them. It argues that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment and rejects the notion of innate traits or internal thought processes. On the other hand, neobehaviorism, advanced by researchers like Edward C. Tolman and B.F. Skinner, extends behaviourism by accepting that internal states can have a role in understanding behaviors, but these states must be inferred from observable actions.
Behaviourism relies heavily on classical conditioning, as demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov, and operant conditioning, outlined by B.F. Skinner. These concepts suggest that behavior is shaped by direct interactions with the environment, with little regard for the mind's internal workings. Neobehaviorism, while still grounded in the importance of the environment's role in shaping behavior, introduces the concept of intervening variables, which are internal states that influence behavior but are not directly observable.
A key distinction between the two is the acceptance of cognitive processes in neobehaviorism. Neobehaviorists argue that behaviors cannot be fully understood without considering the organism's internal context, which can include cognitive processes like thinking and decision-making, albeit these are not directly observable. In contrast, traditional behaviourism strictly focuses on the stimulus-response relationship, dismissing the relevance of mental states.
Neobehaviorism also introduces the notion of latent learning, which is learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement or observable behavior change. This concept, highlighted in Tolman's research, suggests that internal cognitive maps can be formed even if a behavior is not immediately demonstrated, challenging behaviourism's insistence on observable evidence for learning.
Behaviourism and neobehaviorism share a focus on the external environment's role in shaping behavior, while neobehaviorism offers a more nuanced approach by acknowledging the influence of internal states. This distinction highlights the evolution of psychological thought from a strict external focus to a more integrated view that considers the interplay between external stimuli and internal processes.
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Comparison Chart
Foundation
Observable behavior and environmental stimuli
Observable behavior, environmental stimuli, and inferred internal states
Key Proponents
John B. Watson, Ivan Pavlov
Edward C. Tolman, B.F. Skinner
View on Internal Processes
Rejects the relevance of internal thought processes
Accepts internal states as influential, but they must be inferred from observable behavior
Key Concepts
Classical and operant conditioning
Intervening variables, latent learning, cognitive maps
Focus
Strictly on stimulus-response relationships
On the interplay between external stimuli and internal processes, though emphasis remains on observable outcomes
Compare with Definitions
Behaviourism
Emphasizes learning through interaction with the environment.
Behaviourism explains language acquisition as a result of reinforcement and imitation.
Neobehaviorism
Introduces intervening variables in behavior explanation.
Hunger or motivation might be considered as intervening variables affecting behavior in neobehaviorism.
Behaviourism
A psychological approach focusing solely on observable behaviors and external stimuli.
Behaviourism studies how rewards and punishments shape behavior, disregarding thoughts or feelings.
Neobehaviorism
Accepts cognitive processes indirectly in behavior analysis.
Neobehaviorism would consider the role of memory in learning, inferred from behavioral changes.
Behaviourism
Relies on classical and operant conditioning.
In behaviourism, phobias are seen as conditioned responses to specific stimuli.
Neobehaviorism
Highlights latent learning and cognitive maps.
Neobehaviorism suggests that animals can learn the layout of a maze without direct reinforcement.
Behaviourism
Views behavior as a product of stimulus-response associations.
Behaviourism interprets social behaviors as learned responses to social stimuli.
Neobehaviorism
Extends behaviourism by considering inferred internal states.
Neobehaviorism might explain a rat's maze navigation as involving cognitive maps, beyond mere stimulus-response.
Behaviourism
Rejects the study of the mind's internal processes.
Behaviourists would not consider dreams or thoughts in their analysis of behavior.
Neobehaviorism
Maintains the importance of observable outcomes.
Despite acknowledging internal states, neobehaviorism focuses on changes in observable behavior as evidence of learning.
Behaviourism
(British spelling) behaviorism
Neobehaviorism
A form of behaviorism that takes unobservable internal behaviors into account.
Behaviourism
Same as behaviorism.
Behaviourism
An approach to psychology that emphasizes observable measurable behavior
Common Curiosities
What is behaviourism in psychology?
Behaviourism is a psychological approach that focuses on studying observable behaviors and the external stimuli that elicit them, disregarding internal mental states.
How does neobehaviorism differ from traditional behaviourism?
Neobehaviorism extends behaviourism by accepting that internal states can influence behavior, although these states must be inferred from observable actions, adding a cognitive dimension to behavior analysis.
How did B.F. Skinner contribute to neobehaviorism?
Skinner, a key figure in neobehaviorism, expanded on operant conditioning, emphasizing how consequences of behavior influence future behavior, and introduced the concept of reinforcement schedules.
Who are the key figures in the development of behaviourism?
John B. Watson and Ivan Pavlov are pivotal in establishing behaviourism, with Pavlov's work on classical conditioning laying foundational principles.
What is the significance of latent learning in neobehaviorism?
Latent learning demonstrates that learning can occur without immediate reinforcement or observable behavior change, suggesting the importance of cognitive processes in understanding behavior.
What role do intervening variables play in neobehaviorism?
Intervening variables represent internal states or processes that influence behavior, allowing for a more complex understanding of how actions are determined.
Why do neobehaviorists still focus on observable outcomes despite acknowledging internal states?
Neobehaviorists maintain a focus on observable outcomes to keep their analyses empirical and verifiable, aligning with the scientific method.
How do behaviourism and neobehaviorism explain personality development?
They explain personality as a result of learned behaviors from interactions with the environment, with neobehaviorism allowing for some influence of internal cognitive processes.
Can neobehaviorism be considered a bridge between behaviourism and cognitive psychology?
Yes, neobehaviorism can be seen as a transitional approach that incorporates some aspects of cognitive psychology, such as the acknowledgment of internal processes, while still emphasizing observable behavior.
How do behaviourism and neobehaviorism view the role of the environment in shaping behavior?
Both approaches emphasize the environment's critical role in shaping behavior through interactions and experiences, but neobehaviorism also considers how these are processed internally.
Are behaviourism and neobehaviorism still relevant in contemporary psychology?
While not dominant, the principles of behavior modification and the empirical approach to studying behavior continue to influence areas such as behavioral therapy and educational psychology.
What criticisms have been directed towards behaviourism and neobehaviorism?
Critics argue that these approaches oversimplify complex human behaviors by ignoring or underestimating the significance of emotions, thoughts, and consciousness.
Can the principles of behaviourism and neobehaviorism be applied in educational settings?
Yes, principles such as reinforcement and the consideration of intervening variables are widely used in educational strategies to enhance learning and modify behavior.
How do behaviourism and neobehaviorism address abnormal behaviors?
They view abnormal behaviors as maladaptive responses learned through environmental interactions, with treatments focusing on relearning behaviors through different conditioning techniques.
How has the debate between behaviourism and neobehaviorism influenced modern psychology?
The debate has led to a more integrated approach in psychology, recognizing the value of studying observable behavior while also considering cognitive processes and internal states.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
