What is Behavior?

All Behavior is Communication.

There are many reasons why we behave the way we do. Our past experiences and world view will shape our behavior throughout our lives.

Our present needs will determine how we choose to behave. A student buying a cup of coffee is communicating a need to stay awake. A child screaming because they dropped their ice cream is communicating their need for their caregiver’s attention (and money to buy another ice cream).

In 1938, B. F. Skinner introduced the concept of two specific types of behavior: respondent behavior and operant behavior. Respondent behavior is considered any type of reflexive behavior. Think of Pavlov and his dogs salivating at the presence of food. Operant behavior describes behaviors that are influenced by previous experiences. The most fundamental aspect of operant behavior is the concept of consequences.