Why did John Watson, a key figure in behaviorism, reject the study of mental processes?

• A. He thought mental processes were the primary cause of behavior.
• B. He felt that mental processes were already well understood by psychologists.
• C. He believed that mental processes could not be objectively observed or measured.
• D. He considered mental processes to be more important than environmental influences.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the core principle of behaviorism, which emphasizes the study of observable behavior rather than internal mental states.
2. Recognize that John Watson, as a founder of behaviorism, argued that psychology should focus on behaviors that can be objectively measured and observed.
3. Note that Watson rejected the study of mental processes because they are subjective and cannot be directly observed or quantified in a scientific manner.
4. Recall that Watson believed environmental stimuli and responses were the key factors influencing behavior, rather than unobservable mental events.
5. Conclude that Watson's rejection of mental processes was based on the idea that psychology should be a purely objective science, focusing on measurable behavior.