AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Methodological behaviorism states that observable behavior should be studied scientifically and that mental states and cognitive processes don’t add to the understanding of behavior. Methodological behaviorism aligns with Watson’s ideologies and approach.

Detailed explanation-2: -Behaviorism is the scientific study of observable behavior working on the basis that behavior can be reduced to learned S-R (Stimulus-Response) units. Behaviorism has been criticized in the way it under-estimates the complexity of human behavior.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Behaviourist approach made a deliberate effort to be scientific, and therefore refused to discuss mental processes that might be involved in learning because they are not observable and could not be studied objectively.

Detailed explanation-4: -A weakness is that the approach is environmentally deterministic. For example, it suggests behaviours are learnt through associations made with environmental stimuli and/or the response that we get (reinforcement).

Detailed explanation-5: -Criticisms of Behaviorism Many critics argue that behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and that behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts and feelings.