behaviorist studies

Behaviorist studies examine how observable behaviors are learned and influenced by the environment. Researchers like Pavlov and Skinner showed that behaviors can be shaped through conditioning—repetitive associations with stimuli or reinforcement. For example, if a dog hears a bell and then receives food, it may start salivating at the sound alone. These studies focus on measurable actions rather than internal thoughts or feelings, emphasizing that behavior results from interactions with the environment. This approach has been influential in understanding learning, habit formation, and behavior modification.