Mentalism vs. Behaviorism — What's the Difference?

Mentalism is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the importance of internal mental processes, such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, in understanding behavior. It suggests that to fully comprehend human behavior, one must consider the unseen mental activities that occur within individuals. On the other hand, behaviorism is a theory that focuses exclusively on observable behaviors, arguing that behaviors are learned responses to environmental stimuli. Behaviorists believe that since internal mental states cannot be seen or measured directly, they should not be a focus of psychological study.

Mentalism advocates for the idea that behaviors are often a reflection of the mind's internal workings. Instead, behaviorism concentrates on the relationship between stimuli (environmental events) and responses (observable behavior), asserting that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.

Mentalism posits that cognition, emotions, and motivations are central to understanding behavior, highlighting the role of mental representations and interpretations of the world. It supports the use of introspection and cognitive assessments to study the mind, arguing that internal psychological processes can be inferred through such methods. Behaviorism, in contrast, rejects the use of introspection as a valid method of investigation, considering it too subjective. It relies on experimental and observational methods to study behavior in a controlled and objective manner. Behaviorism's approach has led to significant developments in areas such as learning theory, behavior modification, and educational practices.

While mentalism often explores the qualitative aspects of human psychology, seeking to understand the 'why' behind behaviors, behaviorism is more quantitative, focusing on the 'how' behaviors are learned and modified. This distinction underscores the differing methodologies and focuses of the two perspectives.