NEOASSOCIATIONIST THEORY: A REVIEW
Abstract
Neoassociationist theory is a cognitive theory of learning which proposes that behavior is the result of past experiences and associations. This theory suggests that any behavior can be explained by the patterns of associations that individuals have previously formed with other stimuli. This review discusses the development of neoassociationist theory, its implications, and how it is used in the field of psychology.
Introduction
Neoassociationism is a cognitive theory of learning that proposes that behavior is the result of past experiences and associations. This theory suggests that any behavior can be explained by the patterns of associations that individuals have previously formed with other stimuli. In this review, the development of neoassociationism, its implications, and its use in the field of psychology will be discussed.
Development of Neoassociationism
Neoassociationism was first proposed by John B. Watson in the early 1900s (Watson, 1913). Watson argued that behavior is the result of associations between stimuli and responses. In his theory, Watson proposed that all behavior can be explained by the patterns of associations that individuals have previously formed with other stimuli. Watson’s theory was further developed by Edward C. Tolman in the 1930s (Tolman, 1932). Tolman argued that behavior is the result of a complex network of associations between stimuli and responses, and that these associations can be changed through learning.
Implications of Neoassociationism
Neoassociationism has important implications for the field of psychology. First, it suggests that all behavior is the result of past experiences. This means that individuals can learn new behaviors by forming new associations between stimuli and responses. Second, it suggests that behavior can be modified by changing the associations between stimuli and responses. This means that behavior can be changed by reinforcing certain behaviors and discouraging others. Finally, it suggests that behavior can be explained by examining the patterns of associations that individuals have previously formed with other stimuli.
Use in Psychology
Neoassociationism has been used in a variety of fields in psychology. For example, it has been applied to the study of memory, emotion, and motivation (Mackintosh, 1983). It has also been used to explain the development of certain behaviors, such as fear (Seligman, 1970). Finally, it has been used to explain how individuals learn new behaviors by forming new associations between stimuli and responses (Konorski, 1967).
Conclusion
In conclusion, neoassociationism is a cognitive theory of learning which proposes that behavior is the result of past experiences and associations. This theory suggests that any behavior can be explained by the patterns of associations that individuals have previously formed with other stimuli. This review discussed the development of neoassociationism, its implications, and how it is used in the field of psychology.
References
Konorski, J. (1967). Integrative activity of the brain. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
Mackintosh, N.J. (1983). Conditioning and associative learning. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Seligman, M.E.P. (1970). On the generality of the laws of learning. Psychological Review, 77, 406-418.
Tolman, E.C. (1932). Purposive behavior in animals and men. New York, NY: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Watson, J.B. (1913). Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review, 20, 158-177.