Article Review Example: Behaviorism as a Theory of Personality: A Critical Look

Overall Purpose of the Article

Human beings have always been interested in knowing what makes them who they are and what makes them unique from one another. According to behaviorists, the answer to which human beings seek an answer to is quite simple; it all depends on the region to which they grew up in (Naik, 1998). Therefore, human nature can only be understood by considering the laws that govern their natural environment. The research article features a critical analysis of the theory of behaviorism. It tries to gauge, whether or not it is an important approach towards understanding human behavior.

Research Questions and Hypothesis

This article does not feature a clear set of research questions, which is also the reason why no hypothesis have been included. However, it is a secondary source which makes inferences to the works of other researchers (Naik, 1998). Therefore, this paper has lost credibility as the research has not been conducted primarily. However, it does not mean that it cannot be used for reference as the secondary sources used have been cited appropriately. This will make it easier when it comes to locating them when seeking to determine the reliability of their results.

Objectives

Although the research article is a secondary in nature, it still features a clear statement of its objectives (Naik, 1998). First, it seeks to explore the theory of behaviorism. Second, it seeks to evaluate the effectiveness behaviorism as a personality theory. Therefore, it is easy to understand the steps which the article seeks to achieve so as to fulfill the main purpose of the paper.

Conceptual Definitions

Before embarking on the criticism of behaviorism, the author has first included a section which features the definition of the various theories involved. All the theories under classical and operant conditioning have been included in the definition (Naik, 1998). This makes it easier to understand what the author describes in the next section, hence improving the strength of the article. This section is included as a form of review of the works by other authors. It not only offers a definition but also clarification on specific areas that the authors of the primary research clarified (Naik, 1998).

Research Design

The research design for this article features a comparison literature review approach. This means that it does not feature an actual research, but rather an analysis of the results obtained by other scholars. It compares their arguments on the issue of behaviorism and how they relate the theories to personality (Naik, 1998). It identifies arguments that have been supported in the theory, while also including those that have been contradicted. Basically, this section features a thorough evaluation of points of agreement and disagreement among the scholars involved.

Discussion, Recommendations and Conclusion

The paper features a discussion of findings which is based on the review of literature used. This section has strength in that it features an evaluation of the comparison performed. Therefore, it summarizes the proven points, while also stating those which had conflicting results (Naik, 1998). In addition, it also features a recommendation of how a valid behaviorist theory can be applied in real life. Examples of how this application can be made in life have been included.

The conclusion is also of high quality as it links to the purpose and objectives of the paper (Naik, 1998). It has offered an answer to the aims of the article, instead of leaving it unanswered. This is important as the reader does not have to assume what the findings of the research were.

Reference

Naik, P. (1998). Behaviorism as a Theory of Personality: A Critical Look. Northwestern University.