By Although they are related, conduct and behavior have differences. The former is focused on the particular, while the latter focuses on the global. If you want to know more, keep reading!
In its incessant pursuit of understanding the nature of the mind and human life, psychology has attempted to differentiate two key concepts: conduct and behavior. Although some psychologists currently use them interchangeably when referring to a subject’s behavior, at a theoretical level it is possible to find some subtle distinctions.
A thorough analysis of this issue enriches the way in which human actions are studied. Therefore, in this text, we will draw some distinctions that will allow us to better understand what people do in certain circumstances and given stimuli.
What are the differences between conduct and behavior?
It is worth clarifying that, in practice, the contrast between the two concepts is diffuse and complex, because both are intertwined. Trying to separate them can lead to ignoring the fact that conducts are part of more global behaviors, and that these, in turn, result from the interaction between the social and environmental context and the patterns of conduct.
1. Definition
To clarify both terms, we will do so from the most orthodox behaviorism , with the aim of highlighting a more marked distinction that, in practice, as we have mentioned, is very blurred. Behavior is, therefore, a set of responses to environmental (external) or organic (internal) stimuli.
Behavior, on the other hand , is a broader category, consisting of a set of conducts that occur in a particular situation. It is not limited to a series of immediate responses to various stimuli, but also encompasses patterns of action and reaction that change in tune with the variability of social interactions.
2. Observable and non-observable processes
Behavior is linked to more measurable and observable processes, such as walking, talking, gesturing. Its basis is acts that others can see in a specific environment.
Behavior , on the other hand , being a broader dimension, includes non-observable aspects of actions, such as thoughts, emotions, beliefs, motivations. It covers more completely human activity in relation to its environment .
3. Individuality and sociability
Although it is mediated by the environment, behavior focuses on how an individual reacts to a stimulus. It is a little more specific, since it focuses on the organism in relation to an agent that incites it to react.
Behavior, on the other hand, is not only about how an individual acts, but also about how his or her actions affect others and how others (the social context) in turn affect him or her. To a greater extent, there is a social component that shapes his or her behavior.
4. Change and adaptability
Another distinction between conduct and behavior is that the former is easier and quicker to change, since it changes in response to changes in the context or the internal state of the organism.
While behavior is a little more difficult to modify, because it involves a set of behaviors and patterns embedded in a complex social context.
Examples of conduct and behavior
Taking into account the above points, below we present four examples that may be useful to reinforce the differences between conduct and behavior.
1. Go to university classes
- Behaviors: waking up early, getting dressed, having breakfast, and going to the university campus are some of the behaviors we should take into account when planning to go to class.
- Behavior: Persisting in attending classes, participating in them and studying regularly is a broader pattern of action that involves the interaction of different behaviors and non-visible processes such as motivation, discipline , the value given to learning, life purposes, etc.
2. Fearful reaction to a scary movie
- Behavior: Jumping in fright is a behavior that reflects fear of a shocking scene in a movie.
- Behavior: involves the overall way of acting of the person during the film, such as covering one’s eyes, holding another’s hand, arguing about the plot, etc. It is the entire set of behaviors and emotional and cognitive reactions that occurred while watching the film.
3. Participate in a social gathering
- Behavior: greeting, smiling, chatting, are some observable behaviors in a person within a social gathering.
- Behavior: The way someone conducts themselves in the meeting may include staying out of the way, being the center of attention during the meeting, or assuming an extroverted style, for example.
4. Use of social networks
- Conduct: uploading a photo to social media or commenting on other people’s posts.
- Behavior: This is the general pattern someone has when using their networks, it encompasses the way they interact with strangers, friends, and family. It can include seeking approval or feeling connected to others.
Two essential concepts in psychology
In this article, we learned that although conduct and behavior are used interchangeably in everyday life, they have their subtle differences when examined in detail. From psychology to education, intervention in both has been essential.
The brief analysis made here invites us to reflect on the way in which we use concepts to represent and define people’s actions. We hope that with the contrast made now you have more theoretical support to better classify your actions and those of others.