Psychology MCAT Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide for Aspiring Psychologists.

Behaviorism emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and how it can be modified through learning. This psychological perspective focuses on actions that can be measured and analyzed, rather than internal mental states or biological predispositions.

One of the foundational concepts in behaviorism is that behavior is learned through interaction with the environment. Techniques such as reinforcement and punishment are central to how behaviors can be shaped or changed. By concentrating on observable behavior, behaviorists argue that psychology can be a more scientific discipline, akin to the natural sciences, where observable phenomena can be studied, quantified, and predicted.

To understand behavior through a behaviorist lens means looking primarily at how external stimuli influence an individual's actions and how these actions can be conditioned or reinforced over time. This focus allows behaviorists to develop strategies for behavior modification, which has practical applications in various fields, including education and therapy.

Thus, the emphasis on observable behavior and its modification through learning is what distinctly defines behaviorism in the study of psychology.