behaviorism
UK[bɪˈheɪvjərɪzəm]US[bɪˈheɪvjərɪzəm]
n
A theory in psychology which states that human and animal behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings.
n
The school of psychology associated with this theory, which focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states.
Morpheme Breakdown
behavior
ism
behavior
manner of conducting oneself.
ism
Etymology
The term 'behaviorism' is a 20th-century construction within scientific English, forged by combining the existing English noun 'behavior' with the doctrinal suffix '-ism'. The core noun 'behavior' itself has a deep Germanic lineage, tracing back to the Old English compound 'behabban', meaning "to have or hold oneself," which implied self-possession and conduct. The suffix '-ism' entered English via Latin from Greek '-ismos', a formative creating nouns of practice or principle. Thus, the literal construction "behavior-ism" logically yields the modern abstract meaning: the doctrine or system focused on observable behavior as the primary subject of psychological study, explicitly positioning itself against introspective or mentalist theories.
Analysis
Structure: behavior + ism
- behavior: From English 'behave', with ultimate origin in Middle English 'behaven' (to contain, comport oneself), from Old English 'behabban' (to surround, hold), from 'be-' (thoroughly) + 'habban' (to have). In this compound, it functions as the base noun meaning "manner of conducting oneself."
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin '-ismus'), forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine. It denotes a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
John B. Watson is often considered the founder of behaviorism.
The therapy techniques are rooted in the principles of behaviorism.
Critics argue that behaviorism fails to account for complex cognitive processes.