Behaviorism defines learning as a change in behavior due to what?

• A. External stimuli
• B. Internal thoughts
• C. Social context
• D. Random genetics

Answer: (A)

Learning in behaviorism is a change in observable behavior that arises from experience with environmental inputs and the consequences that follow. The emphasis is on how external stimuli in the environment provoke responses and, through conditioning and reinforcement, shape future behavior. Internal thoughts aren’t the focus in this view because they’re not directly observable, and learning is judged by changes in behavior, not private mental processes. Social context can influence learning in other theories, but the behaviorist mechanism centers on the direct interaction with external stimuli and the resulting behavioral changes. Genetics sets limits on potential but isn’t the process by which learning occurs in behaviorism.