According to behavior theories, what primarily influences learning?

Behavior theories, particularly those associated with influential figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson, emphasize the role of external environmental conditions in shaping learning. According to these theories, learning occurs through interactions with the environment, where behaviors are reinforced or punished based on external stimuli. This perspective focuses on observable behavior rather than internal processes or feelings.

When it comes to influencing learning, behavior theorists assert that reinforcement (positive or negative) from the environment plays a pivotal role. For instance, a student who receives praise for completing homework is more likely to repeat that behavior due to the positive feedback provided by their teacher. This focus on environmental factors means that the conditions under which learning occurs—such as classroom setting, instructional methods, and reinforcement strategies—are deemed crucial to the learning process.

In contrast, while emotional connections, intrinsic motivation, and social interactions can contribute to learning, they are not the primary focus of behavior theories. These aspects are more emphasized in other learning theories, such as humanism or social learning theory, which explore how internal motivations and social contexts can affect learning outcomes. Behavior theories, however, maintain that it is the external conditions that fundamentally shape how individuals learn new behaviors.