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The behaviorist approach explains cognitive development through basic learning processes.

In classical conditioning, infants learn reflexive responses by linking a neutral stimulus—like a sound—with an unconditioned stimulus, such as a puff of air to the eye.

After repeated pairings, the sound alone can trigger blinking, showing early associative learning.

Next, in operant conditioning, behaviors are shaped by their consequences. It includes reinforcement and punishment.

Behaviors followed by reinforcement — like receiving smiles and attention for babbling — increase in frequency.

On the other hand, behaviors followed by punishment—such as losing parental attention after throwing food—decrease in frequency.

Lastly, modeling allows infants to learn by observing others’ behaviors, even before they perform those behaviors themselves.

In one study, 10- and 12-month-old infants who watched an adult find a toy located it more successfully, while those who explored independently were less successful.