What does behaviorism primarily focus on in the study of psychology?

Behaviorism primarily focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. This psychological approach emphasizes the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment and can be measured and analyzed objectively. Behaviorists believe that behavior can be understood and modified through conditioning, which can involve reinforcement or punishment.

By concentrating on external human behavior, behaviorism allows psychologists to study how various stimuli in the environment influence actions, making it a practical approach for areas such as education, therapy, and behavioral modification. This focus on observable traits ensures that psychology can maintain scientific rigor through empirical research and experimentation.

The other choices highlight important aspects of human psychology but do not align with the core emphasis of behaviorism. Internal thoughts and desires are central to cognitive psychology, emotional responses pertain to affective sciences, and social influences are examined within the realms of social psychology, each addressing different dimensions of the human experience.