Identifying Key Figures in Behaviorism

As psychology evolved as a distinct scientific discipline, various theories emerged to explain human behavior and mental processes. One significant early movement, influenced by the works of philosophers and physiologists, prioritized observable behavior over internal mental states. This transition in emphasis laid the groundwork for behaviorism, which became a dominant school of thought in the early 20th century. Which of the following psychologists is credited with the formulation of the principle of reinforcement, a cornerstone of behaviorism, and significantly contributed to the development of this movement?