What is the main focus of behaviorist theories in child development?

Behaviorist theories in child development center on observable behaviors and the influence of the environment. This perspective emphasizes that learning occurs through interactions with the environment and that behaviors can be shaped through reinforcement and punishment. Key figures in behaviorism, such as B.F. Skinner and John Watson, argued that children learn by responding to stimuli in their surroundings and that their behaviors can be modified through conditioning. This focus on observable behaviors means that behaviorists often rely on measurable actions rather than internal processes or feelings. Overall, the behavioral approach provides a clear framework for understanding how external factors contribute to a child's growth and development.