Which of the following best describes the main idea of the behavioral perspective on personality?

• A. Personality is shaped by an individual's drive for self-actualization and personal growth.
• B. Personality is shaped by learned behaviors and environmental influences through processes such as conditioning and reinforcement.
• C. Personality is determined by unconscious motives and conflicts originating in childhood.
• D. Personality is the result of genetic inheritance and biological processes.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept of the behavioral perspective on personality, which focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal thoughts or feelings.
2. Understand that the behavioral perspective emphasizes the role of learning through interaction with the environment, particularly through conditioning (classical and operant) and reinforcement.
3. Recognize that this perspective suggests personality is shaped by patterns of learned behaviors rather than innate traits or unconscious motives.
4. Compare the given options to see which one aligns with the idea that personality develops through environmental influences and learned behaviors.
5. Select the option that states personality is shaped by learned behaviors and environmental influences through processes such as conditioning and reinforcement, as this best captures the behavioral perspective.