Viselkedéspszichológia

Viselkedéspszichológia, commonly translated as behavioral psychology, is a school of thought that emphasizes the study of observable behavior. It posits that behavior is learned through interaction with the environment. Key figures in this field include Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner. This approach focuses on the principles of conditioning, namely classical conditioning and operant conditioning, as the primary mechanisms through which behavior is acquired and modified.

Classical conditioning involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus, leading to a learned response. Operant conditioning, on the other hand, focuses on the consequences of behavior. Behaviors that are reinforced, meaning they are followed by a desirable outcome, are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that are punished, or followed by an undesirable outcome, are less likely to be repeated.

Viselkedéspszichológia has been applied in various fields, including education, therapy (such as behavior modification techniques), and animal training. Its emphasis on empirical observation and measurable outcomes has made it a significant and influential perspective within psychology. While other psychological perspectives have emerged, the principles of behavioral psychology continue to be relevant and utilized in understanding and changing behavior.