Which theory of learning focuses on observable behaviors and interactions with the environment?

The correct answer is behaviorism, which emphasizes the importance of observable behaviors and the way individuals interact with their environment. This theory of learning posits that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning and can be shaped by stimuli in the environment. Behaviorism is grounded in the belief that learning is a direct result of external stimuli and reinforcement; behaviors that are rewarded are likely to be repeated, while those that are not reinforced may diminish over time.

Key figures in behaviorism, such as B.F. Skinner and John Watson, conducted experiments that underscored how environment and reinforcement of behaviors can lead to learning. The theory does not take internal mental processes into account, focusing instead on how individuals respond to their surroundings.

In contrast, constructivism, humanism, and cognitivism each take different perspectives on learning. Constructivism emphasizes the role of learners in constructing their own understanding and knowledge, humanism focuses on the individual's experience and motivation, and cognitivism centers on the mental processes involved in learning. While these theories also contribute to our understanding of learning, they do not specifically center on observable behaviors and environmental interactions like behaviorism does.