US High School Psychology Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The behaviorism approach focuses primarily on observable behavior, eschewing introspection and the consideration of internal mental states. This approach argues that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which occurs through interaction with the environment. Behaviorists, such as B.F. Skinner and John B. Watson, contended that psychology should be a science that relies on observable and measurable phenomena. They conduct experiments and make observations that allow them to analyze behaviors in a structured way, emphasizing the relationship between stimuli and responses.

The cognitive approach, in contrast, delves into internal mental processes such as thoughts, beliefs, and problem-solving. The humanistic approach emphasizes individual potential and self-actualization, focusing on holistic views of individuals and their subjective experiences. The psychoanalytic approach centers on unconscious desires and conflicts that influence behavior, primarily exploring internal psychological struggles rather than observable behavior.