What is the primary focus of behaviorism in psychology?

The primary focus of behaviorism in psychology is on the study of observable behavior. Behaviorists argue that psychology should be rooted in empirical and measurable evidence, thus emphasizing the importance of studying behaviors that can be seen and quantified, rather than internal states or feelings, which are subjective. This approach arose in contrast to other schools of thought, such as psychoanalysis, which delve into the subconscious mind and focus on internal mental processes, and humanistic psychology, which emphasizes personal growth and introspection.

Behaviorism operates on the principle that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, whether it be classical conditioning, as demonstrated by Pavlov's experiments with dogs, or operant conditioning, as shown in Skinner's work with reinforcement. By concentrating on observable actions, behaviorists aim to develop a clear understanding of how behaviors are learned, reinforced, and modified, making it a fundamentally pragmatic approach to psychology.