Which of the following statements is true of behaviorism?

• A. Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes.
• B. Behaviorism was founded by Sigmund Freud.
• C. Behaviorism emphasizes the importance of unconscious motives in shaping behavior.
• D. Behaviorism argues that behavior is primarily influenced by genetic inheritance.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that behaviorism is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable and measurable behaviors rather than internal mental states or unconscious motives.
2. Recall that behaviorism was founded by John B. Watson, not Sigmund Freud, who is associated with psychoanalysis.
3. Recognize that behaviorism does not focus on unconscious motives; instead, it focuses on how environmental stimuli influence behavior through conditioning.
4. Note that behaviorism does not primarily argue that behavior is influenced by genetic inheritance; it emphasizes learning from the environment.
5. Conclude that the true statement about behaviorism is that it focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes.