noun

behaviorism

bih-HAY-vyuh-riz-uhm

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Behaviorism (noun) means Behaviorism is an approach in psychology that studies observable behaviour rather than inner mental states. Example: “Behaviorism dominated much of psychology in the early twentieth century.”

noun

technical Behaviorism is an approach in psychology that studies observable behaviour rather than inner mental states.

"Behaviorism dominated much of psychology in the early twentieth century."

"Her course covered behaviorism alongside other major schools of psychological thought."

"Critics of behaviorism argued that it left too little room for the study of the mind."

technical In philosophy, behaviorism is the view that talking about the mind is really just another way of talking about physical behaviour.

"The philosophy seminar examined behaviorism as one answer to the mind-body problem."

"Under behaviorism, a claim about someone's belief is treated as a claim about how they would act."

"Some philosophers still defend a version of behaviorism today."

How to use behaviorism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBehaviorism is the idea of studying what people actually do, rather than guessing what is going on in their minds.

When to use it

Behaviorism is the American spelling; British English usually writes it as behaviourism.

Memory tip

Think of the '-ism' ending as flagging this as a school of thought, built directly from the word behavior.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

behaviourism

Common pairings

radical behaviorism behaviorism in psychology school of behaviorism reject behaviorism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ dominated much of psychology in the early twentieth century.

Etymology

Behaviorism is formed from the English word behavior with the suffix -ism, which is commonly used to name a school of thought or doctrine.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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behavioral psychology logical behaviorism philosophical behaviorism behaviourism

Rhymes for behaviorism

aphorism

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Frequently asked questions

What is behaviorism in psychology?

It is an approach that focuses on studying observable behaviour, generally treating that behaviour as shaped by the environment rather than by inner mental processes.

What is the difference between behaviorism and philosophical behaviorism?

The psychological sense studies behaviour as a scientific approach, while the philosophical sense argues that statements about mental states are really statements about physical behaviour.

How do you spell behaviorism in British English?

British English usually spells it behaviourism, with a u, while behaviorism is the American spelling.

What is the meaning of behaviorism?

"behaviorism" (noun) means behaviorism is an approach in psychology that studies observable behaviour rather than inner mental states.