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Behaviorism - Watson, Skinner and Pavlov

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One of the more famous experiments mentioned in general psychology textbooks is the Pavlov dog experiment, which described unconditioned and conditioned responses. Describe the principles behind the experiment and how it fits into the theories of reflexology. How does reflexology fit into the basic ideas of behaviorism?

Behaviorism evolved over time from Watson's perspectives to the experimental analysis of behavior prescribed by B. F. Skinner. What are the major similarities and differences between Watson and Skinner's behaviorism? From your understanding of psychological principles, which of them had a greater influence in the areas of both research and applied psychology?

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Solution Summary

This solution discusses how reflexology fits into behaviorism. It also discusses how the theories of Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner differ and how they are similar.

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The principle of Pavlov's experiment was to determine how unconditioned stimulus (food) would trigger an unconditioned response (salivation). He theorized that dogs do not learn to salivate when they see food, it is a reflex that is 'hard wired' (1) into the dog. The intent was to measure the amount of salivation the dog experienced when seeing food; however, he discovered that the dogs had learned to associate his lab assistant with food. The dogs began to salivate when the lab assistant entered. In the beginning, the lab assistant was considered the neutral stimulus because it did not produce a response from the dog when they entered; however, later the bell became his neutral stimulus and when he gave the dog food, he also rang the bell. After a while, ...

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