Behaviorists all focus on __.
a. the internal motivation for action
b. physiological responses that result in action
c. the subconscious
d. individual attitudes
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is b. physiological responses that result in action.
Explanation:
Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states or processes. The central idea behind behaviorism is that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment, and these behaviors can be understood and predicted by studying external stimuli and responses. Therefore, behaviorists emphasize physiological responses—observable actions and reactions that occur in response to specific environmental stimuli.
The work of major behaviorists like John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner, and Ivan Pavlov shaped this perspective. Watson believed that psychology should focus solely on observable behavior, rejecting the idea that internal mental states (such as thoughts or emotions) could be studied scientifically. B.F. Skinner, a key figure in behaviorism, developed the theory of operant conditioning, which emphasizes how behaviors are shaped and maintained by rewards (reinforcements) and punishments (aversive stimuli). Pavlov, famous for his work on classical conditioning, demonstrated that physiological responses, such as salivation in dogs, could be conditioned in response to certain stimuli.
Behaviorists believe that all behavior is the result of learned associations and external influences, not internal motivation or subconscious factors. For example, a child may learn to say “please” when asking for something because they receive positive reinforcement (praise or a treat) when they do so. In this case, the behavior is learned and reinforced by external factors (rewards and punishments), not internal attitudes, subconscious processes, or innate motivations.
This focus on observable behaviors and physiological responses distinguishes behaviorism from other psychological approaches that consider internal processes like motivation, emotions, or attitudes. While behaviorists may recognize the role of biological factors in behavior, they generally concentrate on how behaviors manifest and are modified through interaction with the environment.