Marty's dog always sits when Marty opens the cupboard to get the dog a biscuit. How would a behaviorist describe the dog's behavior?
A) The dog thinks that, if he sits, he will get a biscuit.
B) The dog is hungry, so his instincts tell him to sit.
C) The dog expects to get a biscuit when Marty opens the cupboard.
D) The dog sits when Marty opens the cupboard.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Behaviorists focus on observable behaviors and the conditions that elicit those behaviors, rather than on internal states or instincts. The dog sitting when Marty opens the cupboard is a direct observation of behavior without inferring the dog's thoughts or feelings.

Marty's Dog Always Sits When Marty Opens the Cupboard to Get