Question

"It is behavior that can be observed that should be studied, not the suspected inner working of the mind." This statement was most likely made by someone with which perspective? a cognitive perspective b. neuru science perspective c. humanistic perspective d. behavioral perspective

Short answer

d. Behavioral perspective.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Statement

The statement focuses on observable behavior and discounts the interpretation of inner workings or introspection. This provides a clue to which perspective it could relate to.

Match Statement to Perspective

Each psychological perspective can be summarized as follows: \n a) Cognitive perspective: Focuses on mental processes like memory, thought, and problem-solving.\n b) Neuroscience perspective: Emphasizes how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences.\n c) Humanistic perspective: Centers on the individual's freedom, dignity, and potential for personal growth.\n d) Behavioral perspective: Concentrates on observable behaviors and discounts introspection.\n As per these summaries, the statement clearly aligns best with the behavioral perspective.

Key concepts

Observable Behavior

The term observable behavior refers to actions and reactions that can be seen and measured, typically involving the physical aspects of behavior such as words spoken, steps taken, or any other outwardly visible activity. This concept is central to the study of psychology, particularly within the behavioral perspective, which posits that psychology should concern itself with behaviors that are objective and accessible to all observers.

From this standpoint, psychologists aim to understand and predict behavior by observing and recording how organisms respond to stimuli in their environment. This method of research is practical and rooted in empiricism; it relies on evidence that can be quantified and subjected to systematic analysis. Behavioral psychologists use techniques such as conditioning to investigate the links between environmental stimuli and behavioral responses, offering insights that are particularly useful in fields like education, therapy, and behavior modification.

Improving one's understanding of observable behavior entails recognizing the patterns and consistencies in actions, which can be influenced by reinforcement, punishment, or environmental cues. This framework underlies many approaches that seek to alter problematic behaviors or encourage beneficial ones, underscoring the importance of tangible, measurable change over theoretical or introspective concepts.

Psychological Perspectives

Psychological perspectives provide a variety of frameworks for understanding the vast complexities of human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Think of these perspectives as different lenses through which psychologists examine and interpret mental processes and actions. Each perspective emphasizes different factors that may influence or drive behavior.

For instance, cognitive psychology delves into the intricacies of the mind, exploring how people perceive, think, and solve problems. On the other hand, the neuroscience perspective looks at the biological underpinnings of psychological phenomena, linking behavior to brain circuits and hormonal balance. The humanistic approach cherishes individual experiences and self-fulfillment, focusing on personal growth and free will.

Understanding these perspectives gives students a more holistic view of psychology. By studying the same behavior from multiple angles, one can appreciate the complexity of human nature—acknowledging that our actions can be the result of mental processes, biological factors, or a striving toward self-actualization. Knowledge of these perspectives is vital for anyone keen on comprehending the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of psychology.

Introspection in Psychology

Introspection is a process that involves examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings. In psychology, introspection was once a primary method for understanding the mind, particularly in the work of early psychologists like Wilhelm Wundt. It requires individuals to look inward and report on the content of their thoughts in an attempt to understand the structure of the mind.

However, as the science of psychology evolved, especially with the rise of behaviorism, the focus shifted. Critics of introspection argued that it was too subjective—a person's self-reports could not be reliably measured or verified by others. The behavioral perspective emerged as a counterpoint to these more subjective methodologies, turning the attention of psychology towards phenomena that could be directly observed and measured.

To further grasp the limitations and potentials of introspection, students could benefit from exercises that compare introspective techniques with empirical methods. This comparison can illuminate the various ways in which both internal experiences and observable outcomes contribute to scientific understanding.