John B. Watson (Psychologist)

John B. Watson was an influential American psychologist known for founding behaviorism, a school of thought that emphasizes studying observable behaviors rather than thoughts or feelings. He believed that behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, primarily via conditioning. Watson conducted experiments, like the famous "Little Albert" study, to demonstrate how emotional responses can be conditioned. His approach shifted psychology toward a scientific discipline focused on measurable, external behaviors, influencing areas like advertising, education, and therapy. Watson’s work highlighted the importance of environmental factors in human development and behavior shaping.