Psychological theory that all mental processes result from external stimuli and association of ideas.
School of psychology originating in the US, of which the leading exponent was John B Watson.
Behaviorists maintain that all human activity can ultimately be explained in terms of conditioned reactions or reflexes and habits formed in consequence. Leading behaviorists include Ivan Pavlov and B F Skinner.
Skinner raised his daughter in a so-called “Skinner Box” so that he could manipulate the stimuli to which she was exposed.
(Alternate spelling: behaviourism).
An approach to psychology that emphasizes observable measurable behavior; SYN. behaviourism, behavioristic psychology, behaviouristic psychology.