be·hav·ior /bəˈhāvyər/ noun

1: the way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves

We were grateful for the gracious behavior of our hostess. The children were rewarded for good behavior. Be on your best behavior. also : an instance of such behavior unacceptable social behaviors

2a: the manner of conducting oneself criminal behavior normal adolescent behavior

b: anything that an organism does involving action and response to stimulation

c: the response of an individual, group, or species to its environment. They are studying the behavior of elephants in the wild.

3: the way in which something functions or operates. They tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.

Different Definitions of Behavior

“Externally visible activity of an animal, in which a coordinated pattern of
sensory, motor and associated neural activity responds to changing external or internal conditions” (Beck et al. 1981)

“A response to external and internal stimuli, following integration of sensory, neural, endocrine, and effector components. Behavior has a genetic basis, hence is subject to natural selection, and it commonly can be modified through experience” (Starr and Taggart 1992)

“Observable activity of an organism; anything an organism does that involves action and/or response to stimulation” (Wallace et al. 1991)

“What an animal does” (Raven and Johnson 1989)

Discussion

Behavior is a persons actions. It is what they do. It is observable and measurable. It does not include opinions or thoughts.

In the education world, it helps us define an action. In the psychological world, it is the response.

Observing behavior can tell us a lot about a persons thinking or feelings. After all …

“What you do is what matters, not what you think or say or plan.”

― Jason Fried