What perspective does behaviorism primarily emphasize?

Behaviorism primarily emphasizes the idea that human behavior is learned and shaped by environmental influences rather than innate qualities or predetermined paths. This approach posits that individuals start as "blank slates," meaning they are not born with pre-existing tendencies or behaviors but instead develop through interactions with their environment. The focus on observable behaviors, rather than internal thoughts or feelings, underscores the belief that learning occurs in response to stimuli and reinforcement mechanisms present in the environment.

This understanding aligns with the central tenets of behaviorism, which reject the notion that intrinsic goals or genetic predispositions are the primary drivers of behavior. Instead, behaviorism advocates that all behaviors can be explained and modified through external factors and conditions.