What psychological approach focuses on observable behavior and the role of learning in explaining it?

The behavioral perspective is centered on the idea that psychology should focus on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. This approach posits that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment, emphasizing the processes of conditioning, reinforcement, and punishment. Behaviorists argue that because psychological research aims for objectivity, only observable behaviors should be studied, as they can be measured and quantified.

This perspective also highlights the role of learning in shaping behavior through experiences and environmental influence, connecting it to theories of classical and operant conditioning developed by figures such as B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov. By concentrating on measurable behavior, the behavioral perspective has significantly contributed to areas such as behavior modification and therapy techniques.

The other approaches focus on different aspects of psychology; for instance, the humanistic perspective emphasizes individual potential and personal growth, the cognitive perspective examines mental processes like thinking and memory, while the biological perspective considers the influence of genetics and neurobiology on behavior. Each of these approaches offers valuable insights but does not emphasize observable behavior as the primary focus in the same way the behavioral perspective does.