John broadus watson biography

Although John Broadus Watson made several contributions to the field of psychology, most notably his work with Rosalie Rayner on conditioned emotional responses and his later work in advertising, his most enduring contribution is considered to be his role as the founder of behaviorism.

John b watson contribution to psychology

John B. Watson is widely recognized as the founder of behaviorism , a school of thought that revolutionized the field of psychology in the early 20th century. He provided a new definition of psychology, a rigorous scientific methodology, and a focus on the role of learning and environment that transformed the field. While some of his views were considered extreme and have been re-evaluated over time, his vision of a science of behavior with practical applications continues to be pursued in various forms today.

The experiment demonstrated that emotional responses, specifically fear, could be learned through classical conditioning. While he achieved significant recognition for his work in psychology, particularly for pioneering behaviorism, his personal life, especially his divorce and subsequent career shift, continues to be a subject of debate among scholars.

While John B. Watson is primarily known for pioneering behaviorism, his views on child-rearing also garnered significant attention, sparking both interest and controversy. While his emphasis on environmental influence and conditioned learning offered a new perspective on child development, his advocacy for strict emotional control and limited affection has drawn significant criticism.

After a very public divorce scandal in , John B. Watson was forced to resign from his position at Johns Hopkins University at the peak of his academic career.