Who is known as the founder of behaviorism?

John B. Watson is recognized as the founder of behaviorism, a school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. His work established the principles of behaviorism, which focus on how environmental factors influence behavior through conditioning. Watson argued that psychology should be treated as a natural science and that the study of consciousness and mental states was subjective and scientifically unmanageable.

By conducting experiments, such as the famous Little Albert experiment, he demonstrated how emotional responses could be conditioned in humans. This laid the groundwork for further developments in behaviorist theory and practices, influencing educational techniques, therapeutic practices, and animal training.

In contrast, other figures mentioned, such as Sigmund Freud, were primarily associated with psychoanalysis, which focuses on unconscious processes and the role of childhood experiences in shaping personality. Albert Bandura expanded on behaviorism with his social learning theory, emphasizing the importance of observational learning, and Carl Rogers is known for his humanistic approach to psychology that centers on personal growth and self-actualization.