5 types of behavior: definition, characteristics and examples

Human behavior is the object of study of psychology. Therefore, to define it it is necessary to classify the types of behavior that make up it, otherwise its study would be impossible.

Here you will find information about this concept, in addition to the common types of behavior that exist. From the most subtle gestures to the resolution of the most complex problem, our action shapes the world within us, but also the world around us. Let’s go with it.

What is behavior?

Behavior is the set of actions, reactions and responses of any type that an organism emits in relation to its environment.. As pointed out in Behavior Analystit is understood that it is observable and measurable, as well as illustrative of the individual’s internal processes (thoughts and emotions, for example).

Besides, These responses result from the interaction between biological and environmental factors.. Genetic load, culture, life experiences or even mutations have an effect on an individual’s behavior. This interaction is complex and feedback-driven, making it difficult to determine.

What types of behavior exist?

In order to adequately categorize and quantify human behavior, it is pertinent to classify the types of behavior that our species emits. In the following sections you will find the most common categories.

1. Motor behavior

This encompasses the physical actions of the subject, the body movements. Actions ranging from raising your hand to order a taxi, to the reflex of removing your hand from the fire, are included in such a sphere.

Within motor behavior, two other types are differentiated: voluntary and involuntary. While talking would be an example of the first, blinking evidences the second.

2. Verbal behavior

This behavior is everything that is related to the use of language, its production and its processing.. It is about verbal communication, but not only speaking, but also reading, listening and writing. It is our way of transmitting thoughts, emotions and actions to others, as well as receiving those of others.

For example, if someone tells another that they will write a message to their mother and the latter responds after a while, the three individuals emit verbal behavior. One listens to a statement, another writes and speaks and the third reads and writes back.

3. Socialization

Socialization or social behavior refers to the interactions we have with other individuals.. Although it is easy to refer to the example in the previous section (which would also count as social behavior), it must be taken into account that socialization encompasses other behaviors, such as making friends, competing for a prize or exerting influence over others.

Thanks to this type of behavior, needs such as establishing ties and creating a sense of belonging are met.. As a gregarious species, our social behavior is complex and there is a branch of psychology dedicated entirely to it: social psychology.

4. Cognitive behavior

The human mind would not be such without cognitive behavior, that is, the set of mental processes that allow it to operate in the environment.. Here are the basic psychological processes (attention, memory, etc.) and other mental actions such as solving tasks, learning or reasoning.

A common example of this type of behavior is solving a puzzle. To put the pieces together, it is necessary to use spatial reasoning and visual processing.

Although it may seem that cognitive behaviors are all involuntary, many of them are not, such as decision making.

5. Emotional behavior

As Niedenthal & Krauth Gruber (2006) point out, the Emotions are direct and highly adaptive responses to events in the environment.. Consequently, its behavioral expression is the driving force of this interaction.

The clearest example is sadness. When someone suffers, it is very likely that they cry, a behavior that is reactive to said emotion. In turn, this will elicit responses of comfort and help from peers, with the purpose of solving the situation.

Do the behaviors respond to only one of the types of behavior?

Reading the above, you may be wondering if certain behaviors could fall into more than one category. The truth is that yes: for example, having a conversation would involve verbal and social behaviors, as well as motor (by one’s own speech).

In fact, if you go to the literature on this topic, you will find that different authors make different classifications of behavior. Thus, there are categories such as appetitive and aversive, functional and dysfunctional, aggressive and assertive behaviors, and a long etcetera. It is up to you to choose which of these categorizations best fits your thinking and the objective of your work.

Final considerations on types of behavior

Everyday experience is complex, so much so that the human mind is not yet able to distill it down to its last elements. Therefore, most behavioral analysis only scratches the surface of how it works, although science is increasingly advancing in this regard.

Consequently, when you set out to study the types of behavior that our species emits, remember that they are intertwined with each other and with the tide of elements that make up the environment. Be patient, because until science is able to reveal all the mysteries of reality, we will be subject to our passion for learning.

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