Theories of behaviorism

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that suggests behavior is learned and influenced by the environment through a system of rewards and punishments. It emphasizes observable actions over internal thoughts or feelings, proposing that behaviors can be shaped and modified by external stimuli. For example, a child learns to say "thank you" after receiving praise, or a worker might increase productivity after bonuses. Behaviorism focuses on measurable, objective aspects of human behavior, viewing learning as a process of conditioning—associating certain stimuli with specific responses—rather than exploring internal mental states.