Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

According to Watson, behaviorism is defined primarily as what kind of psychology?

1. Radical behaviorism

2. Methodological behaviorism

3. Experimental psychology

4. Cognitive behaviorism

The correct answer is: Methodological behaviorism

Watson's view of behaviorism is fundamentally rooted in methodological behaviorism, which emphasizes the importance of observable behaviors over internal mental states. This approach focuses on the idea that psychology should be based solely on what can be measured and observed, rather than on subjective experiences or consciousness. Methodological behaviorism advocates that psychological research should use experimental methods to study the relationship between stimulus and response, which allows for a more structured and scientific approach to understanding behavior. This stance is significant because it laid the groundwork for later developments in behaviorism, emphasizing the importance of objective measurement and empirical research in the field of psychology. In contrast, other forms of behaviorism, such as radical behaviorism, delve deeper into the implications of behavior that acknowledge the internal processes influencing behavior, but Watson specifically advocated for a methodological approach. Options related to experimental psychology and cognitive behaviorism pertain to broader or different areas of psychology, making them less aligned with Watson's strict behavioral framework.