Suppose you were a graduate student studying for a PhD in psychology in the 1920s. Your advisor was strongly influenced by John B. Watson. Which of the following might your advisor consider an acceptable choice for your research?
A) a survey of daydreams
B) an analysis of how specific behaviors are acquired
C) a survey of sexual imagery in dreams of men and women
D) an analysis of the thought processes students report while answering test items
E) the achievement of self-actualization and why it is such a rarely seen occurrence

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John B. Watson was a behaviorist who believed in the study of observable, measurable behaviors. Therefore, an analysis of how specific behaviors are acquired would align with Watson's beliefs and be an acceptable choice for research. Options A, C, D, and E involve the study of internal mental processes, which Watson and behaviorists in general, did not consider valid to study as they could not be directly observed or measured.

Suppose You Were a Graduate Student Studying for a PhD