What does Behaviorism (Watson) propose about the focus of psychology?

• A. Mental processes only
• B. Emotions and motivations
• C. Unconscious conflicts
• D. Observable behaviors only

Answer: (D)

Behaviorism argues that psychology should be the science of observable behavior. John B. Watson held that mental processes and inner experiences are private and not directly measurable, so they shouldn’t be the focus of scientific study. Instead, psychology should concentrate on how environmental stimuli shape observable responses, allowing prediction and control of behavior through conditioning and reinforcement. That emphasis on what can be seen and measured is why the focus is on observable behaviors only. Mental processes, emotions, motivations, and unconscious conflicts are not the central target because they aren’t directly observable or verifiable in the same way.