Watson's behaviorism theory emphasizes observable behaviors, suggesting that human behavior is controlled by environmental factors and past experiences rather than mental processes. The theory gained prominence after World War I and is exemplified by the 'Little Albert' experiment, which demonstrated classical conditioning in inducing fear. Watson's work also focused on reinforcement's role in shaping behavior, advocating for behavioral management strategies in parenting and educational settings.

1. Watson’s
Behaviorism Theory
By: Nikki Deocampo

2. What is Behaviorism Theory?
• Behaviorism theory is a psychological theory that
emphasizes observable behaviors over mental processes as
the primary subject of study.
• It suggests that human behavior can be explained by
environmental factors alone and that people’s patterns of
behavior are largely determined by their past experiences.
• Behaviorism also focuses on how certain stimuli or events
can elicit specific responses or behaviors.
• This theory has been used to develop treatments for various
mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders and
addictions, through methods like classical and operant
conditioning.

3. Origin of the Theory
• Happened after World War I
• During the roaring 20’s
• Flapper era
• Large social hierarchy
• During the time where
children should be seen
but not heard

4. “Give me a dozen healthy
infants, well-formed, and my
own specified world to bring
them up in and I’ll guarantee to
take anyone at random and
train him to become any type of
specialist I might select –
doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-
chief and, yes, even beggar-
man and thief, regardless of his
talents, penchants, tendencies,
abilities, vocations, and race of
his ancestors. “
-Famous quote of John B. Watson

5. Aspects of Watson’s theory
• He opposed mentalistic
concepts.
• He used contiguity to
explain learning
• He considered emotion to be just
another example of classical
conditioning.
• He rejected the notion of individual
differences.

6. • One of Watson's most well-known contributions was
the "Little Albert" experiment, which demonstrated
classical conditioning.
• In this study, Watson conditioned a child to fear a
white rat by associating its appearance with a loud
noise.
• This experiment showed that people can learn
emotional responses to previously neutral stimuli
through association.
• Watson also emphasized the importance of
reinforcement in shaping behaviors. He believed that
positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of
repeating desired behaviors, while punishment
decreases it.
John Watson’s Contribution to
B e h a v i o r i s m T h e o r y
Little Albert
Experiment

7. Stages in Classical Conditioning of
Watson
The next time Albert was
exposed the rat, Watson
made a loud noise by
hitting a metal pipe with a
hammer.
During Conditioning:
Naturally, the child began to cry
after hearing the loud noise.
After repeatedly pairing the
white rat with the loud noise,
Albert began to cry simply after
seeing the rat.
After Conditioning:
The boy initially showed
no fear of any of the
objects he was shown.
Before Conditioning:

8. Elements of Classical Conditioning
Neutral Stimulus:
The white rat
Unconditioned Stimulus:
The loud noise
Unconditioned Response:
Fear
Conditioned Stimulus:
The white rat
Conditioned Response:
Fear

9. Contributions
to Society
Found a new way for parents to raise their
children
√ By Molding their behavior using Watson’s theory
Also gave moral boundaries to experiments
√ Testing on children, cruelty, ethics, etc.
Example: children do something bad, they get
spanked
√ Taught the children to not do anything bad or
they would be punished

10. THANK YOU!