The idea that behaviorists and social psychologists share is environmental determinism. This concept suggests that an individual's behavior is primarily influenced by external factors such as their environment, rather than internal factors like thoughts or feelings.
Here's a breakdown to help understand this idea:
1. Environmental determinism: Both behaviorists and social psychologists believe that behavior is shaped by the environment in which an individual exists. This means that external factors such as upbringing, social influences, and experiences play a significant role in determining how a person behaves.
By focusing on environmental determinism, behaviorists and social psychologists emphasize the impact of external factors on human behavior, highlighting the importance of understanding and considering the environment when studying behavior and social interactions.