On this page we will discuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of Behaviorism theory in Psychology. There are many schools of thought in the Psychology studies, namely;

• the structuralism
• the functionalism
• the Gestalt psychology
• the behaviorism
• the psychoanalysis
• the humanism and the cognitive psychology.

On this page, we will focus more on the weaknesses as well as strength of behaviorism theory of psychology.

List of Strengths and Weaknesses of Behaviorism theory

Strengths of Behaviorism theory

• Behaviorism is based upon observable behaviors, so it is easier to quantify and collect data and information when conducting research.
• Effective therapeutic techniques such as intensive behavioral intervention, behavior analysis, token economies and discrete trial training are all rooted in behaviorism. These approaches are often very useful in changing maladaptive or harmful behaviors in both children and adults.

Weaknesses of Behaviorism theory

• Behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and that behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts and feelings.
• Behaviorism does not account for other types of learning, especially learning that occurs without the use of reinforcement and punishment.
• People and animals are able to adapt their behavior when new information is introduced, even if a previous behavior pattern has been established through reinforcement.  It only says that regardless of what behavior an individual learned in the past through the system of reinforcement, he can still be able to modify and/or change it when new circumstances offer new information.