What term describes the psychological view that focuses on observable human behavior instead of mental processes?

The term that describes the psychological view focusing on observable human behavior instead of mental processes is behaviorism. Behaviorism, as a school of thought, emerged in the early 20th century and emphasizes the study of behavior that can be measured and observed, advocating that psychology should be a science based on observable phenomena rather than subjective experiences. This approach often involves concepts like conditioning and reinforcement, highlighting how external stimuli influence behavior.

Cognitive psychology, on the other hand, centers around mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving, thus focusing on internal cognitive functions rather than observable actions. Psychoanalysis delves into unconscious thoughts and feelings, emphasizing the importance of internal motivations and past experiences, which is a departure from the behaviorist focus. Humanistic psychology highlights individual potential and the importance of growth and self-actualization, placing a strong emphasis on personal experiences and subjective feelings, differing from the behavior-centric approach of behaviorism.