SNED 2207

TOPIC: BEHAVIOR

What is behavior?

Behavior refers to the actions, reactions, and conduct of organisms, individuals, or systems in
response to various stimuli or situations. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including
those that are conscious and intentional as well as those that are unconscious or instinctual.
Behavior can be observed and analyzed in various contexts, including psychology, biology,
sociology, and animal behavior studies. It can be influenced by a multitude of factors such as
genetics, environment, upbringing, culture, and personal experiences. Understanding behavior
is crucial in fields such as psychology, where it plays a central role in the study of mental
processes, emotions, and motivations.

Behavior basics

-refer to fundamental principles and concepts that underlie human or animal behavior. These
principles are often studied in fields such as psychology, behavioral economics, sociology, and
ethology (the study of animal behavior). Some of the key behavior basics include:

1. Stimulus and Response: Behavior often occurs in response to stimuli from the
environment. This can include external stimuli such as sights, sounds, or smells, as well
as internal stimuli like thoughts or emotions.

2. Reinforcement and Punishment: Reinforcement refers to any consequence that

increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring, while punishment refers to
consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior recurring. These can be positive
(adding something) or negative (removing something).

3. Operant Conditioning: This is a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or

weakened by the consequences that follow it. B.F. Skinner is a prominent figure
associated with the study of operant conditioning.

4. Classical Conditioning: This is another form of learning in which a neutral stimulus

becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus and acquires the capacity to elicit a
similar response. Ivan Pavlov's famous experiments with dogs are often cited as
examples of classical conditioning.

Document Number Effectivity Revision Number

Date
LDCU-FORMS-STE-INSTRUCTION-002 June 20, 2022 000
 5. Observational Learning: Also known as social learning or modeling, this occurs when an
individual learns by observing the behavior of others and the consequences of that
behavior.

6. Motivation: Behavior is often driven by motivation, which can be intrinsic (arising from
within oneself) or extrinsic (arising from external rewards or punishments).

7. Cognition: The role of cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and

decision-making in shaping behavior is also an important aspect of behavior basics.

8. Biological Influences: Biological factors such as genetics, neurochemistry, and brain

structure play a significant role in shaping behavior.

9. Cultural and Social Influences: Social norms, cultural values, and societal expectations
also influence behavior and can vary widely across different cultures and societies.

Understanding these behavior basics helps psychologists, researchers, educators, and

individuals better comprehend, predict, and modify behavior in various contexts.

Document Number Effectivity Revision Number

Date
LDCU-FORMS-STE-INSTRUCTION-002 June 20, 2022 000