Behaviorism

Overview

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on the study of observable behavior, as opposed to internal mental states. It emerged in the early 20th century and was heavily influenced by the work of John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. Behaviorists believe that behavior is shaped by reinforcement and punishment, and that all behavior can be explained by the principles of classical and operant conditioning. They also believe that the best way to understand behavior is through scientific experimentation and observation, rather than introspection.