Behaviorism Psychology vs. Cognitive Psychology — What's the Difference?

Behaviorism Psychology is rooted in the idea that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment. It emphasizes that human behavior is shaped by external stimuli and responses, essentially claiming that individuals are largely products of their environment. Cognitive Psychology, in contrast, delves into the internal workings of the mind and seeks to understand how people think, remember, perceive, and learn.

The foundational premise of Behaviorism Psychology is that behaviors can be measured, trained, and changed. This school of thought often disregards unobservable phenomena, like feelings or thoughts, considering them to be outside the realm of empirical study. On the other hand, Cognitive Psychology posits that these internal mental processes are central to understanding human behavior and should be studied in-depth.

While Behaviorism Psychology often employs conditioning methods, like reinforcement and punishment, to modify behavior, Cognitive Psychology may investigate how problem-solving techniques, memory recall, or perception influence behavior. This demonstrates that Behaviorism views behavior as an output in response to a stimulus, while Cognitive Psychology sees behavior as influenced by numerous internal processes.

John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner are notable figures in the realm of Behaviorism Psychology, championing the idea that the environment shapes behavior. Cognitive Psychology, with luminaries like Jean Piaget and Aaron Beck, seeks to understand the intricate web of mental processes that lead to these behaviors.

Both Behaviorism Psychology and Cognitive Psychology have made significant contributions to understanding human behavior. However, their distinct approaches — Behaviorism's emphasis on observable behaviors and Cognitive's focus on mental processes — set them apart in the field of psychology.