Behaviorists focus on behaviors that?

• A. Are unobservable
• B. Are influenced by genetics
• C. Are the result of unconscious conflicts
• D. Are observable

Answer: (D)

Behaviorists focus on observable behaviors because the central tenet of behaviorism is that psychology should study only what can be directly observed and measured. This perspective emerged as a reaction to earlier psychological approaches, such as psychoanalysis, which emphasized internal mental states and processes that were deemed subjective and difficult to quantify.

By concentrating on observable behaviors, behaviorists can apply principles of science, conducting experiments and drawing objective conclusions about learning, conditioning, and behavior modification. This emphasis on observable actions allows for a systematic approach to understanding how environmental stimuli influence behavior, enabling practitioners to develop effective techniques for behavior change, such as reinforcement and punishment.

The other potential options, while relevant to psychology, do not align with the behaviorist viewpoint. Unobservable behaviors, influences of genetics, or unconscious conflicts pertain more to different psychological theories, such as cognitive psychology or psychoanalysis, which explore mental processes and internal factors rather than solely relying on observable manifestations of behavior.