The Behavioral Model: Overt vs Covert Behaviors

Overview of Overt and Covert Behaviors

• Overt behaviors are observable actions that can be seen and measured, such as physical activities.
• Covert behaviors are internal processes that cannot be directly seen, such as thoughts and emotions.

Examples of Overt Behaviors

• Singing: An active vocal expression that is easily noticeable in public.
• Smiling: A facial expression conveying happiness or friendliness; clearly visible.
• Eating: A behavior involving the consumption of food, observable in various settings.
• Staring: A prolonged gaze at something or someone, noticeable by others.
• Writing: A physical act of inscribing characters, often seen in academic or professional settings.
• Speaking: The act of verbal communication, easily perceived by listeners.
• Drinking: The action of consuming liquids, visibly practiced in social environments.
• Smoking: Involves the act of inhaling and exhaling smoke, clearly observable.
• Touching: Physical contact with an object or person, easily seen.

Examples of Covert Behaviors

• Thinking: An internal cognitive process that reflects reasoning or consideration, not directly observable.
• Learning: A complex internal process of acquiring knowledge and skills, unnoticeable without assessment.
• Remembering: The mental act of recalling past experiences or information, not visible outwardly.
• Liking: An emotional response or preference towards something, internal and subjective.
• Listening: The act of paying attention to sounds or speech, often inferred from behavior rather than seen.
• Observing: An internal process of mental noting, while the act itself can be overt, the cognition is covert.
• Dreaming: An experience during sleep associated with imagination and subconscious thoughts, invisible to others.
• Hoping: A feeling of expectation or desire for a certain outcome, experienced internally.
• Concentrating: A focused mental effort on a task or stimulus, an internal state that cannot be visibly measured.

Test your knowledge on overt and covert behaviors with these flashcards. This quiz provides a variety of examples to help you distinguish between actions that are visible to others and those that occur internally. Perfect for psychology enthusiasts and students.