Why is methodological behaviorism limited in its scientific approach?

[mkir]

Hi, I'm stuck on this problem and I was wondering if you guys can give me any insights about it using methodological behaviorism to explain it.

Your knee will jerk if something were to hit it. Is this because of your belief/desires? If it isn't, would going out with your friends to watch a film be any different?

 

[arildno]

The major problem with behaviourism is the fallacious belief that it cannot be scientific to construct models that include elements one cannot directly observe.

Physics would have stagnated at Renaissance level if it were not for its willingness to construct such models.


The point of empirical science is NOT that we are merely to collect data and set them in some sort of "system".

Rather, we are to CONSTRUCT models that have predictable and detectable CONSEQUENCES, and then go into the lab trying to see whether those consequences occur or not.

By limiting itself to collecting and systematizing data, behaviourism has reduced itself to produce uninteresting curve-fitting results.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

Methodological behaviorism is limited in its scientific approach because it only focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, rather than internal mental processes such as beliefs and desires. This approach does not take into account the complexity of human behavior and the influence of internal factors on behavior.

In the example given, methodological behaviorism would only explain the knee jerk reaction as a response to the external stimulus of something hitting it. It would not consider any underlying beliefs or desires that may also play a role in the reaction. This approach also does not account for individual differences and the unique cognitive processes that may influence behavior.

Furthermore, methodological behaviorism does not allow for the study of complex behaviors that cannot be directly observed, such as emotions and thoughts. This limits the scope of scientific inquiry and hinders our understanding of human behavior.

In contrast, a more comprehensive approach, such as cognitive-behavioral psychology, takes into account both external factors and internal mental processes to provide a more complete understanding of behavior. It recognizes the role of beliefs and desires in shaping behavior and allows for the study of complex behaviors that cannot be directly observed.

Therefore, while methodological behaviorism may provide some insights into behavior, it is limited in its scientific approach and cannot fully explain the complexity of human behavior. Going out with friends to watch a film, for example, may involve a combination of external stimuli (going to the theater, watching the movie) and internal factors (enjoyment of spending time with friends, desire to see the film) that cannot be fully explained by methodological behaviorism alone.