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Quote by John B. Watson

“There are... for us no instincts—we no longer need the term in psychology. Everything we have been in the habit of calling an 'instinct' today is a result largely of training—belonging to man's learned behavior.”

Quote by John B. Watson

Work

Behaviorism

Behaviorism is a foundational psychological theory that examines how behaviors are acquired and modified through interaction with the environment. It delves into the principles of conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment, offering insights into learning and behavior modification. more

Author

John B. Watson
John B. Watson

John B. Watson was a prominent psychologist born on January 9, 1878, and died on September 25, 1958. He is considered one of the founders of behaviorism in psychology and had a profound impact on the development of the field. more

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