Who is known as the father of American behaviorism?

• A. Perry
• B. Skinner
• C. Watson
• D. Thorndike

Answer: (C)

The title of "father of American behaviorism" is most appropriately attributed to John B. Watson. Watson was instrumental in establishing behaviorism as a prominent psychological theory in the early 20th century. He emphasized the importance of observable behavior rather than introspective methods, arguing that psychology should be based on the study of behavior that can be observed and measured.

Watson's approach rejected the mentalistic concepts prevailing at the time and laid the foundation for future behaviorist theories, which included the work of B.F. Skinner, who is well-known for his studies on operant conditioning, and Edward L. Thorndike, recognized for his research on the laws of effect and learning. While Skinner and Thorndike made significant contributions to the field, it was Watson who first popularized the behaviorist model and shifted the focus of psychology towards observable behavior.