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Behaviorism is a psychological theory that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on observable behavior as the primary area of study. This approach emphasizes empirical research and rejects the idea that unobservable factors such as consciousness, thoughts, and feelings can be directly studied.

Behaviorism was founded by John B. Watson in his 1913 paper "Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It." Watson declared that all behavior is a result of the environment and can be conditioned through reflexes, habits, and other mechanisms. His student, B.F. Skinner, further developed the theory and coined the term "operant conditioning," which refers to the process by which behavior is modified by its consequences.

Behaviorism Francis S. John B. Watson's early theory of behaviorism Watson

Behaviorism, also known as radical behaviorism, is often divided into two types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves learning through associations between stimuli and responses, which was demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov's experiment on dogs and salivation. Operant conditioning is based on the idea that behavior is controlled by its consequences, such as rewards, punishments, or avoidance of unpleasant events.

Behaviorist theories have been influential in fields such as education, psychology, and philosophy of mind. Some of the key concepts of behaviorism include: learning through practice and repetition; the power of rewards and punishments; the importance of environment in shaping behavior; and the rejection of the idea that consciousness or inner experiences are essential for understanding behavior.

Behaviorism has been criticized for its narrow focus on observable behavior and its disregard for the role of internal experiences, mental states, and consciousness in shaping behavior. However, it has also had a lasting impact on many areas of research and remains an important part of the broader field of psychology.