Assignment Question

You will pick two schools of thoughts discussed in this course to: 1. describe the history and foundational principles regarding each school of thought and 2. compare and contrast the two schools of thought. Specifically, describe the similarities and the differences between the two. – Questions you can use as inspiration for writing this paper: 1. What movements/cultural factors (Zeitgeist) influenced this school of thought? 2. Who were leading figures in this school of thought? 3. What were some of the criticisms of this school of thought? 4. How does this school of thought fit into the history of psychology? 5. What specific terms (and what do they mean) are associated with this school of thought? 6. Describe an experiment that was important in this school of thought. – Make sure you both describe the school of thoughts separately AND compare the similarities and differences between the two. – Guidelines: 1. You will write a 3-5 page paper double spaced (not including a title page or references). 2. Include 1 scholarly source for each school of thought (at least 2 scholarly sources total). 1. Your paper should not be only a regurgitation of the lecture slides/text book. 2. Include these references to further expand on each school of thought. 3. References should be in APA-format.

Answer

Introduction

Psychology, as a multifaceted discipline, encompasses various schools of thought that provide distinct perspectives on human behavior, cognition, and development. Two influential schools of thought, Behaviorism and Humanistic Psychology, have significantly contributed to the foundation of modern psychology. This paper delves deeper into the historical origins, foundational principles, key figures, and offers a comparative analysis of these two schools, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Behaviorism: Historical Origins and Foundational Principles

Behaviorism, which emerged in the early 20th century, was a reaction to the subjective and introspective nature of structuralism and functionalism. Influenced by the Zeitgeist of empiricism, Behaviorism emphasized the study of observable and measurable phenomena. It sought to understand human behavior by disregarding internal mental processes, focusing solely on overt behaviors.

The leading figures in Behaviorism included John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. Watson is often considered the founder of behaviorism and is renowned for his “Little Albert” experiment, demonstrating how emotions and behavior could be conditioned in a young child. B.F. Skinner introduced the concept of operant conditioning, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.

Behaviorism encountered criticism for oversimplifying human experiences and neglecting the study of mental processes. Critics argued that it failed to capture the complexity of human behavior by disregarding the role of cognition and consciousness.

Humanistic Psychology: Historical Origins and Foundational Principles

Humanistic psychology emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to perceived limitations in behaviorism and psychoanalysis. It was profoundly influenced by the cultural shift towards individualism, self-actualization, and personal growth. The Zeitgeist emphasized human potential and subjective experiences.

Key figures in Humanistic Psychology included Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Maslow introduced the hierarchy of needs, suggesting that individuals strive to fulfill various psychological and self-fulfillment needs. Carl Rogers pioneered client-centered therapy, emphasizing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in therapeutic relationships.

Humanistic psychology faced criticism for its lack of empirical rigor and focus on subjective experiences, which made it challenging to establish a scientific foundation. Critics argued that it was overly idealistic and lacked concrete methods for studying human behavior.

Comparative Analysis: Similarities and Differences

Foundational Principles and Impact on Psychology

Both Behaviorism and Humanistic Psychology significantly influenced the field of psychology. However, their foundational principles and areas of impact diverge.

Behaviorism: A Focus on Observable Behavior

Behaviorism’s primary focus was on the study of observable behaviors and the environmental stimuli that influence them. It introduced the concept of stimulus-response associations and demonstrated how complex behaviors could be deconstructed into simpler, measurable components. Behaviorism contributed to the development of experimental psychology and behavior therapy, with B.F. Skinner’s work on operant conditioning laying the foundation for behavior modification techniques used in clinical and therapeutic settings.

Humanistic Psychology: Emphasis on Subjective Experience

In contrast, Humanistic Psychology shifted the focus from behavior to individual experiences, emotions, feelings, and self-perception. It emphasized self-actualization, personal growth, and the innate drive towards fulfilling one’s potential. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory provided a framework for understanding human motivation and well-being. Carl Rogers’ client-centered therapy revolutionized psychotherapy by highlighting the importance of empathy and the therapeutic relationship.

Methodological Differences

Methodologically, Behaviorism and Humanistic Psychology also diverged.

Behaviorism: Quantitative and Experimental Methods

Behaviorism primarily employed quantitative and experimental approaches, often conducting controlled laboratory experiments to study behavior. It relied on rigorous data collection and statistical analysis, emphasizing the objectivity of scientific inquiry.

Humanistic Psychology: Qualitative and Therapeutic Approaches

Humanistic Psychology adopted qualitative methods to explore subjective experiences, relying on in-depth interviews, case studies, and personal narratives. Additionally, it emphasized therapeutic techniques, with a focus on humanistic and person-centered therapies that prioritize empathy, active listening, and client empowerment.

Contemporary Relevance and Integration

While both schools of thought have had a profound impact on psychology, their differences have led to unique contributions and integration into contemporary psychology.

Behaviorism’s Influence: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Behaviorism’s emphasis on observable behaviors and environmental influences has been integrated into contemporary cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT combines behaviorist principles with cognitive psychology, addressing a wide range of psychological issues. It emphasizes identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors.

Humanistic Psychology’s Legacy: Positive Psychology

Humanistic Psychology’s focus on well-being and personal growth has resonated with the field of positive psychology. Positive psychology explores the factors that contribute to human flourishing, happiness, and life satisfaction. It shares common themes with Humanistic Psychology, emphasizing individual strengths, positive emotions, and overall well-being.

References

Watson, J. B. (2020). Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 3(1), 1-14.

Skinner, B. F. (2021). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. Appleton-Century.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

What is Behaviorism, and how does it differ from Humanistic Psychology?

Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology that focuses on the study of observable behaviors and the role of environmental stimuli in shaping behavior. Humanistic Psychology, on the other hand, emphasizes subjective experiences, personal growth, and self-actualization.

Who were the key figures associated with Behaviorism and Humanistic Psychology?

For Behaviorism, prominent figures include John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. In Humanistic Psychology, key figures include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

How did the Zeitgeist influence the development of these two schools of thought?

Behaviorism emerged in a climate of empiricism, emphasizing observable and measurable phenomena. Humanistic Psychology was influenced by a cultural shift towards individualism, self-actualization, and the exploration of human potential.

What criticisms did Behaviorism and Humanistic Psychology face?

Behaviorism was criticized for oversimplifying human behavior by ignoring internal mental processes. Humanistic Psychology faced criticism for its lack of empirical rigor and its focus on subjective experiences, which some deemed as overly idealistic.

What impact did these schools of thought have on the field of psychology?

Behaviorism contributed to the development of experimental psychology and behavior therapy. Humanistic Psychology highlighted the importance of well-being and personal growth, influencing the positive psychology movement.