Final answer:
The behavioristic view focuses on external behavior and the influence of the environment on learning, according to behaviorists like B. F. Skinner. Behaviorism, initially led by John Watson, has been complemented by cognitive psychology which emphasizes the role of mental processes in learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavioristic view focuses primarily on external behavior and dismisses innate personality traits. Behaviorists like B. F. Skinner believed that our environment solely shapes behavior through learned experiences rather than through internal cognitive processes. Skinner argued that our actions are direct responses to external stimuli without the mediation of thought, emphasizing that behaviors are a result of operant conditioning - rewards and punishments in the environment. This stands in contrast to cognitive learning, which recognizes the role of mental processes and posits that learning can occur through the interpretation of stimuli rather than mere exposure to them.
Behaviorism has a long history in psychology, with John Watson being considered its father and Skinner further developing the approach. However, it is important to acknowledge that behaviorism does not account for all aspects of human learning and cognition. The cognitive revolution, which began in the 1950s, re-centered the focus upon the mind, underlying thought processes, and mental functions as significant contributors to learning and behavior. Ulric Neisser's work and the rise of cognitive psychology marked a significant shift away from strict behavioristic perspectives.