Which term describes the study and careful measurement of observable behaviors?

The term that describes the study and careful measurement of observable behaviors is behavioralism. This approach emphasizes the importance of behavior in understanding psychological processes, asserting that behaviors can be observed and measured, unlike internal states or emotions that are more subjective. Behavioralism focuses on the relationship between stimuli and responses, often utilizing experiments to analyze behavior in a scientific manner.

In contrast, other approaches such as the humanistic approach prioritize subjective experience and personal growth, while psychodynamic theory delves into unconscious processes and how they influence behavior. Structuralism seeks to understand the structure of the mind by breaking down mental processes into their simplest components, which does not focus primarily on observable behaviors. Therefore, behavioralism is distinct in its emphasis on observable actions, making it the correct term in this context.