Methodological Behaviorism
Definition
A position that restricts the science of behavior to publicly observable events, treating thoughts and feelings as outside its scope rather than as behavior to be analyzed. Radical behaviorism rejected this restriction.
In plain language
The older view that only what can be seen from outside counts for science. It leaves thoughts and feelings out entirely.
Example
A researcher who declines to study covert self-talk because it cannot be observed by a second person is taking a methodological position.
Not methodological behaviorism
Analyzing a learner's report of pain as a verbal response with its own controlling variables. That treats a private event as behavior, which is the radical view.
See also
Written from
- skinner-1974
Written from Skinner (1974) on the distinction between methodological and radical behaviorism. No textbook glossary consulted.
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