1. What objections did Mead have to behaviorism?

George Herbert Mead objected to the behaviorist theories of John Watson, who held that only observable behavior could be studied. Watson held that environmental factors determined behavior; therefore, it was impossible to study mental experiences. Mead, however, held that the inner experiences of people should be considered, too.

2. How did Mead propose studying these internal attitudes?

Mead held that such factors as inner experience, consciousness, and mental imagery were contributors to human behavior. Therefore, he developed the notion of "significant others," people who are meaningful and whose judgments are important to the developing individual. For, children first shape their behavior according to norms modeled by significant others. After they reach adulthood, guidelines are made on their own. Mead contended that the mind could be included in the study of social behavior because the individual responds in behavior to stimuli provided by "significant others."

3. Regarding Mead's concept of the "act," does Mead give priority to the social aspect of the act or the psychological aspect of the act?

Mead intended to study the social aspect of behavior since he examined the psychological aspect only as stimulus for actions and socialization.

Mead held that the mind should be included in the study of social behavior because the individual responds to stimuli provided by "significant others." For Mead, thinking is only explained by its relationship to behavioral traits.