Which philosophy is commonly thought to deny internal motivation and focus on external factors?

• A. Behaviorism
• B. Constructivism
• C. Essentialism
• D. Humanism

Answer: (A)

Learning is explained best when it’s seen as shaped mainly by external factors and observable actions rather than by internal mental states. This view holds that behavior is learned through interactions with the environment, using stimuli, responses, and reinforcement to guide what people do. Because motivation is treated as something produced by external rewards or punishments rather than by inner desires, internal drives are not seen as the primary engine of learning.

That framing is why behaviorism fits the question: it emphasizes external controls and observable behavior, downplaying internal motivation. In contrast, constructivism stresses learners’ active mental construction of knowledge from prior experiences; essentialism focuses on essential content to be learned; and humanism highlights personal growth, intrinsic motivation, and the whole person.