Watson and the Beginnings of Behaviorism

1.  In what sense is John Watson "founder" of behaviorism? Who else might lay claim to this title? Why?

2.  What were the major points Watson made in "Psychology as a Behaviorist Views It"?

3.  Why does Watson fault introspection?

4.  According to Watson, what should be the subject matter of psychology?

5.  What was the reaction to Watson’s paper? Why?

 6.  What was Watson trying to demonstrate in the Little Albert study? Was he successful? As a modern researcher, how would you critique this study?

 7. Opinion about Watson’s contribution to the field of psychology varies from quite positive to quite negative. In what ways did Watson’s work move psychology ahead? In what ways might his work have held psychology back?