Which approach emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior?

The correct choice is based on the fundamental principles of behavioral psychology, which assert that behavior is primarily shaped by environmental stimuli and external influences rather than internal thoughts or biological factors. Behavioral psychologists focus on observable behaviors and the ways they can be learned or modified through conditioning techniques such as reinforcement and punishment. This approach places significant emphasis on how interactions with the environment impact behavior, demonstrating that behavior can be influenced or changed based on experiences and consequences.

In contrast, humanistic psychology centers on individual potential and self-actualization, cognitive psychology examines internal mental processes such as thinking and memory, and biological psychology investigates the physiological and genetic underpinnings of behavior. While all these approaches contribute to a comprehensive understanding of psychology, it is behavioral psychology that specifically highlights the environment as a key factor in shaping behaviors.