Psychology and Science (Chiesa) [Library Reserves]
What major shift occurred in the philosophy of science during the 20th century, particularly concerning principles previously considered certain?
A shift from certainty to uncertainty in scientific principles.
What does the term "elementaristic explanation" refer to in the context of Macleod's critique?
A way of breaking down complex phenomena into simpler elements.
What is one of the common errors in interpreting radical behaviorism?
Associating it with the machine metaphor and Newtonian science.
What did the philosophers of the Vienna Circle attempt to achieve in the realm of science and metaphysics?
Defining the limits of scientific explanation.
What criticism did Michael Binyon express regarding B.F. Skinner and behaviorism?
He noted that Skinner's work had received a great deal of criticism from prominent figures.
How does radical behaviorism view the input-output formulation of behavior?
It considers it outdated and irrelevant.
How does radical behaviorism differ from earlier behavioral positions like Watson and Hull?
It diverges from earlier positions, leading to different sets of scientific questions.
Why has radical behaviorism and behavior analysis faced criticism from both within and outside the psychological community?
It has been associated with different behavioral trends.
Which of the following accurately describes the organization of psychology as a discipline?
It is organized into numerous subdisciplines, each with its own methods and questions.
What distinguishes radical behaviorism from many other subdisciplines in psychology?
Its subject matter is carefully defined and generally agreed upon by researchers within the field.
What caution does Robert Oppenheimer offer regarding psychology modeling itself after physics?
Psychology should keep pace with developments in the physical sciences.
What does the text suggest about radical behaviorism's view on the relationship between the observer and the observed?
Radical behaviorism acknowledges the interrelation between the scientist and the subject matter.
According to the provided material, what distinguishes radical behaviorism's causal mode from Newtonian causation?
Radical behaviorism emphasizes complex causal sequences.
According to the text, what is one of the major errors in interpreting radical behaviorism regarding the mind/body dualism?
Radical behaviorism rejects Descartes' mind/body dualism and its influence.
How does the text describe the radical behaviorist perspective on scientific behavior and the observer?
Scientific behavior is influenced by contingencies of reinforcement, and the observer is an active part of the process.
What is a significant implication of the shift from certainty to uncertainty in science and philosophy?
Scientific knowledge may be influenced by human behavior and subjective factors.
According to the text, why is it incorrect to place Skinner and radical behaviorism in the same category as Pavlov, Watson, and other behaviorists?
Skinner and radical behaviorism have distinct scientific and philosophical differences.
Despite the philosophical revolution in science, what remains largely unchanged in terms of science's perception?
The association of science with reliability and evidence-based claims.
According to B.F. Skinner, what is a significant challenge in understanding the scientific process in psychology?
The lack of mathematical and logical tools for analysis.
According to Bertrand Russell, what is the preferred method for pursuing philosophical knowledge?
The methods of established sciences, especially physics.
What is a common point of contention among psychologists regarding research methods?
The overlap and divergence of methods between subdisciplines.
How do Merchant and Capra criticize radical behaviorism in relation to the mechanistic world view?
They assert that radical behaviorism perpetuates the mechanistic paradigm.
What is the main objective of radical behaviorism's philosophy of science?
To clarify its distinctiveness from other behavioral traditions.
What is the primary need for articulating the philosophy of science within radical behaviorism?
To dispense with erroneous interpretations of its principles.
According to B.F. Skinner, what is the primary goal of a scientific understanding of human affairs?
To unravel complex social problems facing the modern world.
