Behavioral psychology primarily studies which of the following?

Behavioral psychology focuses on observable behaviors as the primary subject of study. This field posits that behaviors can be observed, measured, and modified, making it distinct from many other psychological approaches that delve into mental states, thoughts, or feelings.

Observe that behavioral psychologists emphasize the relationship between stimuli and responses. They often employ methods like reinforcement and conditioning to shape behavior, which is grounded in the belief that behaviors are learned rather than innate. This approach is rooted in the works of figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson, who championed the importance of empirical observation in understanding human behavior.

Other choices encompass aspects that are more characteristic of different psychological paradigms. For instance, unconscious motivations are primarily studied in psychodynamic theories, which explore underlying mental processes that are not immediately apparent. Cognitive processes are the focus of cognitive psychology, which investigates how people understand, think, and remember. Emotional responses can be studied across various fields, including clinical psychology and affective neuroscience, but they do not specifically align with the behavioral focus on observable actions and responses.

In summary, behavioral psychology's exclusive emphasis on observable behavior differentiates it from other psychological theories that might deal with internal mental states or motivations.