Which theory emphasizes the significance of observable behaviors over mental processes?

Behaviorism is the theory that emphasizes observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. It focuses on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which happens through interaction with the environment. Behaviorists argue that psychological research should be based on observable data that can be measured objectively.

This approach highlighted the importance of understanding behavior in a systematic way and often disregarded the relevance of thoughts, feelings, and other internal experiences. Prominent figures in behaviorism, such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, conducted extensive research to demonstrate how environmental stimuli could shape behavior.

In contrast, other theories like humanism stress the subjective experience, cognitive psychology focuses on internal mental processes, and psychoanalysis delves into unconscious motivations. In essence, behaviorism's primary concern is the direct observation of behavior as a foundation for understanding psychology, making it a key foundational theory in the field.