John Broadus Watson (1878–1958) Watson founded behaviorism in the early 1900s, emphasizing the scientific study of observable behaviors rather than the study of subjective mental processes (Hall, 2009). His influence spread far beyond the academic world. After a scandal ended his academic career, Watson went into advertising. He also wrote many books and articles for the general public on child rearing and other topics, popularizing the findings of the “new” science of psychology (Rilling, 2000).

Archives of the History of American Psychology, The University of Akron. Color added by publisher