What does behaviorism primarily focus on?

Behaviorism primarily focuses on observable behavior as it emphasizes the study of actions that can be measured and recorded, rather than internal mental states. Founded by figures such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, behaviorism posits that behavior can be studied scientifically without consideration of internal mental processes, which are often seen as subjective and difficult to measure.

This approach is grounded in the belief that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which could be either classical or operant. Classical conditioning involves creating associations between a naturally occurring stimulus and a previously neutral stimulus, while operant conditioning involves modifying behavior through reinforcement or punishment.

By concentrating on observable behaviors, behaviorists argue that psychological research can be more objective and empirical. This focus enables the development of practical applications, such as behavior modification techniques that can help alter undesirable behaviors effectively.

The other options refer to aspects of psychology that are less emphasized within behaviorism. Unconscious thoughts relate more to psychoanalytic theories, whereas emotional experiences can be more aligned with humanistic or cognitive perspectives. Social interactions are addressed in fields such as social psychology, which looks at how individuals influence and are influenced by others. Thus, while all aspects of psychology are important, behaviorism’s primary focus distinctly centers on observable behavior