Many theories in current psychology are derived from pre-existing theories of psychology. Branches of psychology today have roots dating back to ancient Greek philosophy. To understand these current theories and ways of thinking, it is important to understand the history of psychology. Many historical figures have contributed to the current field of psychology, particularly psychology as a science. John B. Watson was a well-known behavioral psychologist who contributed to psychology by introducing behaviorism to the field and pushing for psychology to be known as a science of observable behavior. To fully understand the impact of his role in psychology on the acceptance of psychology as a science, it is important to understand his life and the development of his theory. Personal History and Zeitgeist John B. Watson was born on January 9, 1878 near Greenville, South. Caroline. His mother, Emma Watson, raised him to be a devout Baptist Christian and John had promised her that he would become a minister later in life. Emma's extreme religious devotion contrasted sharply with that of John's father, Perkins Watson, who struggled with alcoholism and left the family in 1891, when John was thirteen. John was reportedly very close to his father, and due to his father's abandonment, he began acting out and getting into trouble with the law. It is reported that although his father attempted reconciliation, John never reestablished his relationship with his father and suffered from depression for most of his life (Hergenhahn & Henley, 2014). Despite John's poor academic performance and problems with the law, he was accepted to Furman University at the age of fifteen, where he completed a master's degree......halfway... ...e/72/933Jones, M., & Watson, J. (1924). A laboratory study on fear: the case of Peter. Educational Seminar, 31, 308-315.Kneessi, D. (nd). Harvey A. Carr. Internet source for biographies about psychologists. Retrieved April 10, 2014 from http://faculty.frostburg.edu/mbradley/psyography/datelines_harveycarr.htmlWatson, J. (1903). Animal education: an experimental study on the psychic development of the white rat, correlated with the growth of its nervous system. Chicago: University of Chicago. Watson, J.B. and Lashley, K.S. (1915). Home and related activities of birds. Washington: Carnegie Institution of Washington. Watson, J.B. (1919). Psychology from a behaviorist's point of view. Philadelphia: Lippincott. Watson, M. (nd). John B. Watson. History of psychology. Retrieved April 10, 2014 from http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/watson.htm