What does stimulus-response theory suggest about behaviors?

Stimulus-response theory posits that behaviors can be understood in terms of observable and measurable responses to external stimuli. This principle is foundational in behavioral psychology, where it emphasizes the relationship between a stimulus (an event or action that provokes a response) and the response itself (the behavior exhibited as a result of that stimulus).

In this context, the theory asserts that behaviors can be studied objectively by observing how organisms react to specific stimuli in their environment. This approach allows for the analysis and prediction of behavior based on the idea that certain stimuli will consistently lead to specific responses, making behaviors more predictable and easy to quantify in scientific studies.

The other concepts, such as instinctual behaviors, learned behaviors through reinforcement, and unconscious motives, do not align with the core principle of stimulus-response theory, which focuses primarily on observable reactions rather than internal motivations or instinctual actions. Therefore, choosing the correct answer highlights the emphasis on observable behaviors as determined by external stimuli.