What psychological theory explains human behavior based on principles of learning and adaptation?

What psychological theory explains human behavior based on principles of learning and adaptation?

• A. Psychoanalysis
• B. Behaviorism
• C. Humanistic psychology
• D. Transpersonal psychology

Answer: (B)

Behaviorism is the psychological theory that explains human behavior primarily through the lens of learning and adaptation. This approach emphasizes the role of observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on behavior. According to behaviorism, individuals learn behaviors through conditioning, which can take the form of classical conditioning (associating an involuntary response with a new stimulus) or operant conditioning (consequences of behavior influence future behavior). Behaviorists believe that understanding the mechanisms behind learning and adaptation can provide insights into why individuals act in certain ways, focusing purely on observable actions rather than internal mental states. This perspective empowers the understanding of a wide range of behaviors in various contexts, including therapeutic settings. On the other hand, theories like psychoanalysis focus on unconscious motives and conflicts, humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, and transpersonal psychology explores spiritual aspects of the human experience. These approaches do not centralize learning and observable behavior in the same manner as behaviorism, which is why behaviorism is the most fitting choice in this context.

Behaviorism is the psychological theory that explains human behavior primarily through the lens of learning and adaptation. This approach emphasizes the role of observable behaviors and the influence of the environment on behavior. According to behaviorism, individuals learn behaviors through conditioning, which can take the form of classical conditioning (associating an involuntary response with a new stimulus) or operant conditioning (consequences of behavior influence future behavior).

Behaviorists believe that understanding the mechanisms behind learning and adaptation can provide insights into why individuals act in certain ways, focusing purely on observable actions rather than internal mental states. This perspective empowers the understanding of a wide range of behaviors in various contexts, including therapeutic settings.

On the other hand, theories like psychoanalysis focus on unconscious motives and conflicts, humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, and transpersonal psychology explores spiritual aspects of the human experience. These approaches do not centralize learning and observable behavior in the same manner as behaviorism, which is why behaviorism is the most fitting choice in this context.