The behaviorist perspective is a psychological approach that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. It emphasizes the idea that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment, primarily through conditioning. Key figures in this field include B.F. Skinner, who studied operant conditioning, and John B. Watson, who advocated for the study of behavior as a science. Behaviorists believe that behavior can be shaped and modified through reinforcement and punishment. This perspective has practical applications in various fields, including education and therapy, where techniques like behavior modification are used to encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones.