Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

Behaviorists primarily focus on which of the following?

1. Affecting observable, measurable behavior

2. Understanding internal thought processes

3. Emotional regulation practices

4. Psychosocial development stages

The correct answer is: Affecting observable, measurable behavior

Behaviorists focus on observable and measurable behaviors as their primary area of concern, which sets them apart from other theories in psychology that delve into internal mental processes. The core belief in behaviorism is that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment and can be observed and quantified. This approach emphasizes the importance of studying behavior as it can be objectively measured and analyzed rather than focusing on subjective experiences or internal thoughts. In contrast, the other options relate to aspects that behaviorists generally do not prioritize. Understanding internal thought processes is more aligned with cognitive psychology, which examines how people think, learn, and remember. Emotional regulation practices are more concerned with feelings and emotional responses, drawing from various psychological theories that address emotional health. Similarly, psychosocial development stages are a concept associated with developmental psychology, particularly the theories put forward by Erik Erikson, focusing on the different stages of human growth rather than the direct observation of behaviors. By concentrating on observable behaviors, behaviorism provides a framework for analyzing how different stimuli in the environment can lead to responses in individuals, which is fundamental for behavior modification techniques used in various therapeutic settings.