Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology uses a science-based (experimental and clinical) approach to understand behavior and develop interventions that improve people’s well-being. Behavioral and Cognitive psychologists work across research, teaching, training, and clinical care, addressing a wide range of psychological problems in diverse populations.
The field is defined by two core features:
- A strong reliance on empirical (evidence-based) methods
- A foundation in learning theories, including conditioning, social learning, and cognitive models of behavior
The specialty includes four main areas:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Behavior Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Therapy
All four areas share a foundation in learning theory and use similar frameworks for understanding and conceptualizing clinical cases.
Key theoretical foundations include classical (respondent) conditioning, operant learning, social learning theory, and cognitive/information-processing models. A defining feature of the field is its commitment to empirically supported practices—both in assessment and treatment. Consequently, good practice in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology relies heavily on those assessment and intervention procedures.
