1. a psychologist or scientist who studies behavior, especially one who emphasizes observable actions over internal mental states
Usage: also spelled behaviourist in British English; common in psychology and education

Examples

• The behavioralist conducted experiments to understand how animals learn through reinforcement.
• As a behavioralist, she focused on measuring and recording observable behaviors rather than subjective feelings.
• Early behavioralists like B.F. Skinner revolutionized psychology by studying stimulus and response.
• The school hired a behavioralist to help develop strategies for managing student conduct.
• Behavioralists argue that most behavior is learned through environmental interaction.