Final answer:
In behaviorism, key figures include Ivan Pavlov, who demonstrated classical conditioning, John B. Watson, the father of behaviorism focusing on observable behavior, and B. F. Skinner, who highlighted operant conditioning's role in shaping behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three key scientists in the development of behaviorism include Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B. F. Skinner. Behaviorism is based on the basic assumptions that psychology should be an objective science without consideration for internal mental states, focusing solely on observable behaviors. Goals of behaviorism involve controlling and predicting behavior by understanding its causes, which could be externally observed stimuli and responses.
Ivan Pavlov is renowned for his work on classical conditioning, demonstrating that reflexes could be conditioned to respond to a neutral stimulus after being paired with a different stimulus. John B. Watson, known as the father of behaviorism, argued against studying consciousness and instead focused on observable behaviors and their control through stimulus-response relationships. Finally, B. F. Skinner expanded behaviorism by focusing on operant conditioning, emphasizing how behavior is shaped through reinforcement and punishment.