Behavioral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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behavioral

[bษชหˆheษชvjษ™rษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

psychology

Relating to behavior or the study of behavior.

Examples of usage

  • Behavioral psychology focuses on how behavior is learned and maintained.
  • She exhibited behavioral problems at a young age.
Context #2 | Adjective

animal science

Relating to the actions, reactions, or movements of an organism in response to external stimuli.

Examples of usage

  • The researcher observed the behavioral patterns of the monkeys in the wild.
  • Understanding the behavioral ecology of a species is crucial for conservation efforts.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Behavioral psychology focuses on studying actions rather than thoughts or feelings, which helps in understanding and changing harmful habits.
  • The concept of classical conditioning, introduced by Ivan Pavlov, shows how behaviors can be learned through associations with rewards or punishments.
  • Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, involves reinforcing desired behaviors through rewards to encourage repetition.

Education

  • Behavioral interventions in classrooms often use rewards and consequences to promote positive learning environments.
  • Teachers assess behavioral patterns of students to tailor their teaching strategies and improve academic performance.
  • The 'behavioral approach' in education can help children with special needs by focusing on their specific actions and reactions.

Health and Well-being

  • Behavioral therapy is widely used to treat mental health issues like anxiety and depression by changing negative actions and thought patterns.
  • Creating healthy habits, such as regular exercise or proper eating, often involves understanding and modifying oneโ€™s own behavioral choices.
  • Mindfulness practices are included in behavioral health strategies to help individuals become aware of their actions and foster positive changes.

Sociology

  • Sociologists study patterns of behavior within groups to understand social norms and dynamics.
  • Cultural influences profoundly shape behavioral expectations, with individuals adapting their actions based on societal norms.
  • The rise of social media has introduced new behavioral trends, creating phenomena like 'viral challenges' that affect how people interact.

Technology

  • In the realm of AI, behavioral data is crucial for creating algorithms that predict user preferences and tailor experiences.
  • Behavioral analytics is used by businesses to understand customer actions, enabling them to optimize their marketing strategies.
  • Apps designed for habit tracking utilize behavioral science to help users stick to their goals by visualizing their actions over time.

Origin of 'behavioral'

The word 'behavioral' originates from the Middle English word 'behaviour' which meant 'manner of behaving'. It evolved from the Old French word 'comportement' meaning 'bearing, deportment'. The term gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of behavioral sciences such as psychology and animal behavior studies.


See also: behaviorist, behaviors, misbehavior.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,214 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.