behaviorizmas

Behaviorizmas is a theoretical framework within psychology and related social sciences that emphasizes the systematic study of observable behavior and the environmental factors that shape it. Proponents treat internal mental states as secondary, inferred constructs rather than primary causes, and prioritize empirical measurement and predictive modeling.

Core tenets include reliance on stimulus–response relationships, reinforcement histories, and learning dynamics; application of controlled experiments, itemized behavioral coding, and statistical modeling; and integration with cognitive theories through computational representations rather than introspective reports.

Methods emphasize experimental designs, single- and multi-subject studies, reinforcement scheduling, naturalistic observation, and meta-analysis; data sharing and preregistration are encouraged to improve replicability; and ethical standards require minimizing harm and preserving autonomy.

History and influence: emerged as a contemporary extension of behaviorist ideas into data-driven and computational approaches in the late 20th and early 21st centuries; used in education, organizational behavior management, clinical settings, and digital behavior research.

Reception and criticisms: supporters praise objectivity, replicability, and practical applications; critics warn against reductionism and neglect of subjective experience; some argue the term overlaps with existing labels like behavior analysis and cognitive-behavioral approaches, leading to semantic ambiguity.

See also: Behaviorism; Behavior analysis; Operant conditioning; Cognitive-behavioral therapy; Learning theory.