https://psychclassics.yorku.ca/James/Principles/pr…
Directions: Read James’ chapter on “Habits (Links to an external site.).” Answer the following questions (they follow the order of the text). Please allow yourself plenty of time to read this original work and do not use direct quotations (points will not be awarded). Spelling and grammar count.
1. Describe two examples in which James uses the properties of everyday objects as metaphors for habit. Describe one additional example in which James uses the body as a metaphor for habit.
2. How does James envision a habit from the perspective of the nervous system?
3. Describe James’ two key arguments as to why habits are “practical.” Illustrate these arguments with your own personal example.
4. James relates several stories in which habit continues to drive people’s behavior, even if it no longer has adaptive value. Describe a personal example of this.
5. Describe the four maxims one should follow when trying to acquire a new habit. Apply these maxims to a New Year’s resolution (or any resolution) that you have made.
6. In many ways, this chapter foreshadows psychology’s focus on conditioning in the second force in psychology, behaviorism. James often refers to habits as being reflexes. Do you consider conditioned behaviors to be reflexive? Why or why not? (To help you think about this question, what qualities do reflexive behaviors have?)
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