As an independent science, psychology began to develop relatively recently. But in a short period of time - just over a century - much has been achieved. In particular, the behavioral approach was investigated and successfully applied in theory and in practice. What kind of phenomenon is this and how does it manifest itself in our lives? In what areas is the behavioral approach applicable and what are its additional criteria? We'll figure out.
Dictionary Interpretation
First of all, we need to clearly articulate the essence of the behavioral approach, its significance. So, this term refers to the area in psychology that studies the behavior of people as a species and animals. It is assumed that all actions are based on reflexes, as well as on various reactions to certain factors coming from the environment. An important criterion for the behavior of an individual is his personal history, that is, life experience. It alternates with encouragement and punishment, motivation and disappointment - they determine the further reaction to specific events. Often, the behavioral approach in psychology is called behaviorism - the term comes from the English word Behavior - "behavior". It is worth noting that behaviorists - scientists who are involved in this area of psychology - understand that the hereditary factor can also influence the behavior of an individual. But at the same time they impose a great "responsibility" for certain actions on the environment.
Founders
Studying the history of this field of psychology, in parallel we will get acquainted with its representatives. The behavioral approach began to emerge in the second half of the 19th century, after such areas of science as depth psychology and the law of effect became widely known (the latter explains how behavior changes due to encouragement). The "father" of this term and its essence was the American scientist John Brodes Watson. His methodological behaviorism suggested that attention should be paid exclusively to signals entering the human mind from the external environment. At the same time, his thoughts and feelings can be ignored, since they do not affect behavior. Soon, this theory began to be challenged by Burres Frederick Skinner, who realized that feelings and thoughts are controlled by the same areas of the brain as external stimuli, therefore, they are also impulses for certain reactions. His version began to be called radical behaviorism and became more widespread.
It is interesting to know that Watson in his judgments was supported by our scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - we all know about his dogs and their reaction to the “bell”.
Many versions
The initial theory of the behavioral approach to studying the reactions of living beings to certain factors has become a real resonance in the world of psychology. Everyone was interested in the study of this topic, no matter how it sounds, and therefore the most ridiculous judgments were made sometimes. But among them, from time to time, very worthwhile thoughts surfaced, which later turned into full-fledged types of behavioral approach, well, or varieties. In fact, each of them is telling the truth - this is how to compare the judgments of Watson and Skinner. Therefore, every modern psychologist himself decides which particular theory is closer to him, and is guided by it. We offer to take a look at each of them in turn.
Methodological behaviorism
We already briefly learned about it - this is the behavioral approach in its original form, which was proposed by John Watson. Its essence is that only public actions of an individual (that is, his external behavior) can be subject to observation, while his thoughts and feelings are deliberately overlooked. Also, the scientist actively studied the behavior of people and animals, creating for them certain external factors (stimuli) that could be positive or negative.
Radical behaviorism
The second and much more significant theory of the behavioral approach, also proposed by an American by the name of Skinner. Most likely, it became winning precisely because of its versatility and a kind of "psychological cosmopolitanism." In other words, Skinner believed that one should take into account not only environmental stimuli that “offend” a person, but also his feelings, thoughts that prevail at a particular moment in time. No less important is experience - both negative and positive. The hereditary factor was also taken into account, because at the genetic level, representatives of various types of living organisms (including people - they had to be distinguished by race and culture) also have specific beliefs that influence behavior. Such a behavioral approach has become universal and, probably, still the most widespread and true in psychology.
Psychological behaviorism
For the first time, under the influence of a scientist named Arthur W. Staats, the behavioral approach becomes not just a theory, supported by a small number of experiments, moreover, mainly performed on animals, but a half-practical field of knowledge. In terms of theory, Staats has developed a kind of time-out system, that is, rest from certain factors / thoughts that could influence a person’s behavior, as well as a system of tokens - rewards. The experiments have already been carried out on people, mainly on children with mental disorders. This experience allowed us to reach new heights in the fields of education, cultural and social development, as well as the prevention of many nervous disorders.
From study to application
After Staats demonstrated his experiences to the world, the basics of the behavioral approach immediately became the basis for adjusting the behavior of various groups of individuals. In fact, the theory turned into practice - and no more. In the course of such manipulation, a new field of practical knowledge appeared - applied behavior analysis. It is based on the principles of radical behaviorism, with the help of which reactions to certain stimuli are corrected in a particular person or in a group of people. These are the so-called techniques of the behavioral approach, of which there are countless numbers. Let's list some of them. So, applying radical behaviorism, you can control and change:
- Autism spectrum disorders.
- Conservation of natural resources.
- Physical education and a healthy lifestyle.
- Learning languages.
- Medicine.
- Parenting.
- The fight against drugs.
- Attitude to animals.
- Leadership and management.
In a word, the technique of radical behaviorism can be applied absolutely everywhere, and the influence can be exerted both on a specific personality and on a group of people.
Methodology
Also, this section is called behavioral therapy and is often used in practical psychology to correct certain reactions and human habits. The basis of therapy is conditioning and learning. Following certain methods of the behavioral approach, you can completely change the map of your own actions and actions, become a different person. Due to these techniques, they get rid of bad habits, acquire new skills and inclinations, begin to look at the world in a new way and interact differently with it. For the first time, the methodology was successfully put into practice by Watson's students at the end of the 19th century. They wean children to be afraid of animals. The following techniques were used in this process, which remain relevant to this day.
Learning and mastering
An unshakable foundation basis that allows you to maximize change in behavior or get rid of bad habits. The method is based on a sample - in its role may be an idol, a figure or a symbol, a film, a story, an action or a play performed. The type of case study is selected depending on who the psychologist is working with. Suppose a child begins to smoke, but at the same time he is fond of the work of specific musicians, and they, in turn, support a healthy lifestyle. The psychologist reminds the teenager that even his idols do not, and that, imitating the pattern, unlearnes from a bad habit. Similarly, you can teach a person to something, for example, to study more or learn a foreign language.
It is important to note that in this work it is definitely worth using a reward system. In the standard version for children it’s candy, for adults it’s worth things or money.
Weaning
A much tougher method in behavioral therapy, which is based on the explicit avoidance of one or another factor, which should be eliminated. Using the same system of rewards for positive actions and a system of punishments and penalties for negative ones, a person gradually begins to wean to do what he should not do. The most interesting thing is that the weaning technique can be effective not only on the mental or psychological level, but also on the physical. A good example from the first area is alcoholism. When a person begins to drink alcohol, the process should be accompanied by an extremely unpleasant odor causing vomiting. Gradually, alcohol will begin to be associated precisely with such negative feelings. An example from physiology is enuresis. A special apparatus is attached to the patient, which responds to the appearance of urine. At the same moment, the patient wakes up and realizes that he is urinating.
Elimination
A highly effective method that has become widely known under the name systematic desensitization. Its essence is that fear or phobia is suppressed by a state of relaxation. Suppose a person is very afraid of heights and, being on the roof of a skyscraper, begins to experience not only conscious anxiety. His body begins to respond to fear: muscles are compressed, the pulse quickens, pressure rises. So the body and consciousness are united in a state of horror, and a person is completely paralyzed in front of his phobia. If you break this connection, fear will dry up, and you can do it either by teaching your mind not to notice the height (which is almost impossible, because it decided to be afraid of this phenomenon), or relax bodily. The second option is simpler to execute. Therefore, a person is deliberately placed in an environment where he feels the most anxiety, and at the same time, with the help of medications or certain psychological manipulations, he relaxes his muscular corset and reduces cardiac indicators. Gradually, fear completely disappears.
Become a different person
After reading all of the above, we can conclude that one’s behavior, character and habits can be fundamentally changed. Anyone can get rid of the harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, their fears, diseases and other things that can bother and cause discomfort. The technique is universal, and can be applied by people with certain problems or simply wanting to change something in their life and become better. The most interesting segment is the application of the behavioral approach in the management of society, organization, finance, and so on. In other words, this is the development of leadership qualities, strengthening oneself as a person.
McGregor's work
The first of the scientists who managed to introduce behaviorism into the field of management was Douglas McGregor. In his interpretation, the behavioral approach to leadership is nothing more than carefully studying the habits and actions of a particular “boss” and imitating them. There are certain specific features in the behavior of each leader that unite this category of people:
- High intelligence.
- Self confidence.
- Defined socio-economic status.
- Responsibility.
- Sociability.
- Objectivity.
In all other respects, the qualities of a leader are determined by the organization or group of people that he "possesses." The habitat is no less important factor - for example, the leader of the agricultural community will know a lot about farming, but he will not be able to recall any of the presidents of America, and the leader of the financial organization will be perfectly oriented in the economic sphere, in the sociological, banking and even legal, but it is unlikely to be able to properly grow watermelon or potatoes. That is, for each pot - its tip.
Types of leaders
In a behavioral approach to leadership, McGregor identified two theories - X and Y. They are like two types of leader, with each of the theories applicable in all areas of activity: both agricultural and economic.
- Theory X - authoritarianism and despotism. It is understood that people initially do not want to work and are doing everything they can. They do not need acts of ambition, but crave security. For such a people to work, tight control, a system of punishments and threats are necessary.
- Theory Y - democracy and integration. Labor is the basis of the life activity of every person, in it he realizes himself. Under favorable conditions, each of the employees will be able to assume part of the responsibility and strive for success on their own. Introducing people to simple and understandable rules and common goals enables each of them to control themselves. As a result, the leader only unites all the achievements of the employees and corrects the blots. The team works holistically, and the result exceeds all expectations.
Which theory is truer?
There is no and cannot be a correct answer to this question. Both theories are equally true, and the correctness of one or another depends on the mentality of people, their abilities and skills, on experience and on the type of activity. In reality, there are still organizations that practice an authoritarian leadership system. Many employees are not really elementary accustomed to order and self-control, they refuse to work in every way, so for such mistakes they need to be fined and penalized. As a rule, people with a low level of intelligence behave this way, and such a phenomenon occurs mostly in underdeveloped countries. A more progressive society most often works according to scheme Y - that is, the boss is part of the team, a link, not a cerberus. Each of the employees is well aware that the success of the company in any case will affect his success, therefore he is not lazy, but works and does his best, uses creativity and practical skills.