For McDougall, what were the characteristics of purposive behavior?
McDougall gave a new behavioristic theory that is, purposive behavior. He redefined psychology in his own version, in terms of science of behavior. In one of his talks, he said that psychology can be best understood as the positive science where you can study how living organisms conduct themselves.
The characteristics of this purposive behavior, given by McDougall, are listed as following:
1. Purposive behavior is defined to be spontaneous. It does not require any stimulus to be elicited.
2. The persistence of purposive behavior is longer than reflexive behavior, even in the absence of any type of environmental stimulus.
3. This type of behavior varies, but has a constant goal. Even on encountering an obstacle or change of the scenario, the goal remains the same.
4. The termination of this type of behavior can be brought about when the goal is attained.
5. With practice, this behavior becomes better. With more of the practice, the useless aspects of behavior disappear.