How is the behavioral approach primarily defined?

The behavioral approach is primarily defined as the study of observable behavior. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding how behaviors are acquired and reinforced through interactions with the environment, rather than focusing on internal mental states like thoughts, emotions, or unconscious drives. Behaviorists argue that behavior can be measured and observed, making it a more scientific basis for psychology compared to approaches that focus on inner experiences. Key figures in behavioral psychology, such as B.F. Skinner and John Watson, conducted extensive research on learning processes, conditioning, and the stimuli that lead to behavioral responses. Their work underlines the premise that human and animal behaviors can be understood through the principles of reinforcement, punishment, and environmental influence, distinguishing the behavioral approach from other psychological perspectives that prioritize cognition or emotion.