John Watson claimed, "Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own special world to bring them up in, and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select-doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief, and yes, beggar-man and thief." (Watson, 1913)
Considering this claim, which of the following is true about Watson's approach to child development?
A) Watson's approach does not contain any assumptions. In other words, his approach is atheoretical.
B) Watson holds the assumption that nature defines the eventual career of a person.
C) Watson holds the assumption that nurture determines the eventual career of a person.
D) Watson holds the assumption that both nature and nurture defines the eventual career of a person.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Watson's approach to child development is based on the assumption that nurture, or the environment and experience, is the primary factor in determining a person's career and abilities. He believed that with the right upbringing and training, any child could become any type of specialist, regardless of their innate abilities or traits. This approach is known as behaviorism, which emphasizes the environmental factors that shape behavior and development.

John Watson Claimed, "Give Me a Dozen Healthy Infants, Well-Formed