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If the person has only extrinsic needs, then the person is conditioned from the outside in. There are two types of conditioning - classical conditioning, as described by the pioneer, Ivan Pavlov, and elaborated by J. B. Watson, and instrumental conditioning, as described by the pioneer, Edward L. Thorndike, and elaborated by B. F. Skinner. In classical conditioning, a stimulus, previously neutral, can come to elicit a response by being paired with a stimulus that already elicits that response. In instrumental conditioning, a stimulus, previously neutral, can come to elicit a response, if that response is instrumental in gaining access to a stimulus that already elicits a satisfying response. The behavioristic concept of the person is described as a system rather than simply as a set of five propositions, because each proposition implies the next. The first proposition - the person has only extrinsic needs - is the subject of courses in Motivation, and the second proposition - the person is conditioned from the outside in - is the subject of courses in Learning. The third, fourth, and fifth propositions are not considered in courses in psychology because they are the somewhat embarrassing implications of the first two propositions. HUMANISTIC CONCEPT OF THE PERSON The humanistic concept of the person could also be considered as a system of five propositions, each of which can be contrasted with the equivalent proposition in behaviourism:
The humanist agrees with the behaviorist that the nervous system mediates between internal and external environments to satisfy biological needs. If your hunger and thirst needs are not satisfied, you die. Death is the dramatic documentation of the biological needs. No further evidence is necessary. There can be no debate. |
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