Behaviourism is a school of psychology that focuses on observable behaviour rather than thoughts or feelings. Early behaviourists like John Watson and B.F. Skinner argued that behaviour can be explained by learning through interaction with the environment.
Key concepts include:
Classical conditioning (Pavlov’s dogs: learning through association),
Operant conditioning (Skinner: learning through rewards and punishments).
Behaviourism shaped much of modern psychology, influencing education, therapy, and animal training. Critics argue it overlooks inner processes like thoughts and emotions, but its legacy remains strong—many therapies today (like behaviour modification and exposure therapy) are rooted in behaviourist principles.