Final answer:
Behaviorism is a psychological approach that focuses on observable behavior as opposed to thoughts or feelings, with John Watson and B. F. Skinner as its main proponents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The approach that focuses on an organism's observable behavior rather than their thoughts or feelings is known as behaviorism. This psychological perspective emphasizes that behavior can be studied in a systematic and observable manner without the need to consider internal mental states. John Watson and B. F. Skinner are two influential figures associated with behaviorist psychology.
Behaviorists argue that psychology should be an empirical science, focusing solely on behavior that can be seen, measured, and modified. For instance, Skinner's work on operant conditioning demonstrates how behavior can be shaped by environmental stimuli and consequences, eschewing the need to reference unobservable mental processes. While behaviorism has been challenged by other psychological approaches that do acknowledge the importance of mental processes, its focus on observable, measurable behavior continues to be a foundation for experimental methods in psychology.