According to Kantor, behavior is best understood by:
a) Analyzing unconscious motivations
b) Observing overt actions
c) Examining genetic predispositions
d) Exploring early childhood experiences
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b) Observing overt actions.
Kurt Lewin, a psychologist who influenced behavioral theories, proposed the idea that behavior is a function of both individual characteristics and the environment. However, when it comes to the work of Edward Kantor, the focus is on the behaviorist perspective. Kantor, a psychologist from the early 20th century, is best known for his work on “interbehavioral psychology.” This approach emphasizes the direct observation of behavior and how an individual interacts with their environment.
Kantor argued that human behavior is a complex interaction of environmental factors and the organism’s responses to those factors. Unlike Freudian psychology, which focuses on unconscious motivations or Jungian analysis that delves into archetypes, Kantor did not emphasize the need for exploring the unconscious. Instead, he believed that to truly understand human behavior, one should focus on what can be directly observed—an individual’s overt actions.
In Kantor’s view, behavior does not stem from internal, hidden factors like unconscious drives or genetic predispositions. Rather, it is shaped by the ongoing interaction between a person and their environment, including both the social and physical contexts in which they act. For example, a person’s response to a stressful situation can be understood by observing how they behave in that particular environment. This observation leads to better predictions and understanding of how they will act in similar situations.
This perspective aligns with the behaviorist approach to psychology, where observable actions are the focus of study. Kantor’s framework suggests that analyzing overt behavior is more scientific and reliable than speculating on internal motives or past experiences.