Which psychologist is primarily associated with the study of behavior and the stimulus-response relationship?

The study of behavior and the stimulus-response relationship is primarily associated with John Watson, who is often regarded as the father of behaviorism. Watson's approach emphasized the importance of observable behaviors rather than internal mental states, arguing that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment. He conducted influential experiments, such as the Little Albert study, which illustrated how emotions could be conditioned. His work laid the groundwork for later behaviorists, including B.F. Skinner, but it was Watson who initially framed behavior in terms of stimulus-response relationships.

In contrast, B.F. Skinner expanded upon behaviorism with his concepts of operant conditioning and reinforcement, focusing on how consequences shape behavior. Sigmund Freud is known for his psychoanalytic theories that delve into unconscious processes, while Jean Piaget is famous for his studies on cognitive development in children, focusing on how knowledge and understanding evolve.