What Is Behaviorism?

Theoretical approach in psychology (historically associated with J. B. Watson (1878-1908) and more recently with B. F. Skinner) in which experimental psychologists opposed introspective methods and the study of consciousness, in favor of an objective study or observance of behavior. Has influenced educational thought and practice through specific learning theories and programmed instruction. Metaphysically it is the theory which denies the fact that consciousness is an effective factor in human behavior, and which asserts that the processes of consciousness or cognitive procedures are only by-products of physical and chemical processes.

J. B. Watson