National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

The behavioral approach in psychology is centered on the belief that human behavior can be measured and observed, allowing for an empirical understanding of how individuals act and react in various situations. This approach emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli in shaping behavior, suggesting that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment. Behavioral therapists often use techniques based on conditioning, such as reinforcement and punishment, to alter maladaptive behaviors.

This focus on observable phenomena rather than internal thoughts or feelings distinguishes the behavioral approach from others like the cognitive or psychoanalytical approaches. While the cognitive approach explores mental processes and their impact on behavior, and the psychoanalytical approach delves into unconscious motivations and childhood experiences, neither prioritizes empirical observation to the same extent as the behavioral perspective. The humanistic approach, on the other hand, emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, often steering away from structured empirical methods, focusing more on subjective experiences and feelings.

In summary, the behavioral approach's reliance on empirical methods to investigate behavior, combined with its structured methodology, makes it the most fitting choice for emphasizing observation and structure in understanding human behavior.