Which statement best aligns with behaviorist theory?

• A. The only valid measure of learning is how a person behaves
• B. A person's inner thoughts and feelings are essential to demonstrating learning
• C. Behavior is the focus of instruction
• D. Learning is a reliable change in behavior

Answer: (D)

Behaviorists define learning by observable, repeatable changes in a person’s actions. Because only what can be seen and measured is trusted as evidence of learning, the best statement is that learning is a reliable change in behavior. This captures the essence that learning is demonstrated when behavior shifts in a consistent, predictable way as a result of experience, practice, or reinforcement.

Inner thoughts and feelings aren’t considered essential in behaviorism, since they’re not directly observable. Saying that behavior is the focus of instruction is related, but it doesn’t specify how learning is evidenced. While sometimes behavior is the target of teaching, the key idea behaviorism promotes is that learning shows up as a reliable, observable change in behavior.