US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which of the following methodologies is most associated with the scientific study of observable behavior?

1. Humanistic psychology

2. Psychoanalysis

3. Behaviorism

4. Gestalt psychology

The correct answer is: Behaviorism

The scientific study of observable behavior is primarily associated with behaviorism. This methodology focuses on understanding behavior through the observation of external actions rather than internal mental processes. Behaviorists believe that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, emphasizing the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior. Prominent figures in behaviorism, such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, conducted experiments to demonstrate how behaviors can be measured, controlled, and modified through external stimuli. In contrast, humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth and subjective experiences, making it less focused on observable behavior. Psychoanalysis delves into unconscious processes and internal conflicts, prioritizing mental states and the psyche rather than observable actions. Gestalt psychology, while concerned with perception and the organization of experience, does not center exclusively on observable behavior; instead, it looks at the overall experience and how it is structured psychologically.