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Perspectives Paper
Perspectives Paper

Julia M. Whitmore

PSY/310

University of Phoenix

Perspectives Paper

Psychological perspectives have changed as the field of psychology has progressed. There are a few perspectives that have core values that have remained steadfast even in today 's pool of theories. John Watson, B.F. Skinner, and Edward Tolman, all had theories that remain the foundation for many schools of thought in psychology today. This paper will compare and contrast these theories.

The three different psychologists discussed in this essay were alike and very different in multiple ways. Watson, Skinner and Tolman all practiced psychology with a behaviorist point of view, and were all thinking along the same lines when it came down to the fundamental reasons as to which we, as people, act and think the way we do. The only differences between them were the small details involved (Wikipedia, 2010).

As far as John Watson is concerned, his beliefs all revolve around the classical behaviorist’s thinking. He had the understanding that some sort of connection exists between response and the environment. McIntyre believes that, “Prominent researchers identified with this orientation noted that an even that formally did not elicit a behavior (known as a neutral stimulus) can be made to do so by pairing (presenting) it with an unconditioned (already present) stimulus. This newly effective stimulus (and the responses to it) are said to be ‘conditioned’ (trained)”. This goes right along with the thinking of Watson.

The theories of John Watson are still in practice at this day in age by contemporary psychologists; they are still relevant. If there is a patient that has been having a hard time with specific behaviors, there are quite a few psychologists that will attempt to fix the issue with behavior modification. As one example, Sam has a fear of flying in airplanes, even though she has never been in one. Sam wants to resolve this issue



References: A2zpsychology (2006). Edward C. Tolman (1886-1959). Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://www.a2zpsychology.com/great_psychologists/edward_c_tolman.htm B.F. Skinner (2007). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=B._F._Skinner&oldid=173748857 Cognitive Map (2007). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cognitive_map&oldid=171599404 Edward C. Tolman (2007). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_C._Tolman&oldid=170339259 John B. Watson. (2007) In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=John_B._Watson&oldid=172124112 Mclntyre, T. (2003). The History of Behaviorism. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://www.behavioradvisor.com/BehavoristHistory.html Watson, J., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned Emotional Reactions. Retrieved on August 20, 2010 fromhttp://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/emotion.htm

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