Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Practice Exam

How does behaviorism define the focus of learning?

1. Emotional development and personal insight

2. Observable behavior and stimulus-response associations

3. Abstract thinking and creativity

4. Social interactions and group dynamics

The correct answer is: Observable behavior and stimulus-response associations

Behaviorism emphasizes the importance of observable behaviors and the relationships between stimuli and responses in the learning process. This psychological perspective posits that learning occurs when an individual's behavior is shaped through interactions with the environment, where specific stimuli lead to certain responses. For example, behaviorists study how an external stimulus can trigger a specific reaction from an individual, reinforcing behaviors through rewards and consequences. This approach is grounded in the belief that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, which makes focusing on observable behavior central to understanding how learning occurs. While emotional development, abstract thinking, and social interactions may play a role in learning, behaviorism primarily focuses on the measurable aspects of behavior, dismissing internal thoughts or social contexts as less relevant for understanding how learning is achieved.