Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT) Practice Test

Which type of psychology focuses solely on observable behaviors, according to behaviorist theory?

1. Cognitive psychology

2. Behaviorism

3. Humanistic psychology

4. Gestalt psychology

The correct answer is: Behaviorism

Behaviorism is the branch of psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors rather than internal phenomena such as thoughts and emotions. According to behaviorist theory, psychologists should focus exclusively on actions that can be seen and measured, which serves as the foundational principle of this approach. Behaviorists argue that behavior is learned through interaction with the environment, and they utilize methods like conditioning to study how behaviors change in response to specific stimuli. In contrast, the other types of psychology, such as cognitive psychology, focus on mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving; humanistic psychology prioritizes personal growth and self-actualization; and Gestalt psychology reflects on how people perceive and experience the world as whole units. These areas do not align with the behaviorist view, which strictly centers around observable actions and objective measurements of behavior.