What is Watson talking about?

1) What is Watson talking about? What is he generally saying about the study of psychology and the direction it should go. 2) What relevance, if any, does this article have for modern society or modern psychology? ARTICLES TO BE USED http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/views.htm
http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/commentary.htm
http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/Watson/intro.htm
THE ANSWER
In his 1913 article “Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It,” John B. Watson argues that psychology should be a purely objective, experimental branch of natural science. He rejects the traditional introspectionist approach to psychology, which focused on the study of conscious experience. Instead, Watson proposes that psychology should focus on the study of observable behavior. He believes that behavior is the only legitimate subject matter of psychology, and that it should be studied using the same methods as the other natural sciences.
Watson’s behaviorism was a radical departure from the dominant views in psychology at the time. It helped to usher in a new era in psychology, one that emphasized the importance of experimentation and objective observation. Behaviorism has had a profound influence on the development of modern psychology, and its influence can be seen in a variety of subfields, including learning theory, behavior modification, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Here are some of the key points that Watson makes in his article:
Psychology is a natural science. It should use the same methods as the other natural sciences, such as experimentation and observation.
The subject matter of psychology is behavior. Behavior is defined as any observable response or activity of an organism.
Consciousness is not a legitimate subject matter for psychology. Consciousness is subjective and cannot be observed directly.
Introspection is not a reliable method for studying behavior. Introspection is subjective and prone to errors.
Behavior should be studied in the context of the environment. Behavior is shaped by environmental stimuli and responses.
The goal of psychology is to predict and control behavior. By understanding the laws of behavior, psychologists can develop techniques for changing behavior.
Watson’s ideas have been influential in the development of modern psychology. However, his work has also been criticized for being too reductionist and mechanistic. Some critics argue that Watson’s focus on observable behavior ignores the importance of internal mental processes. Others argue that his work has been used to justify unethical practices, such as behavior modification and aversion therapy.
Despite these criticisms, Watson’s work remains important in the history of psychology. His ideas helped to shape the modern field of psychology and continue to be debated among psychologists today. His work is a reminder of the importance of objectivity and experimentation in the study of human behavior.