Which of the following descriptions best reflects the characteristics of behaviors as defined in psychology?

The description that identifies behaviors in psychology emphasizes actions that can be observed and measured. This perspective aligns with the foundational principles of behaviorism, a key area within psychological study that focuses on observable actions rather than internal states such as thoughts or emotions. Behaviorism posits that to understand and analyze human actions, one must look at behaviors that can be quantified and empirically assessed, making this a central tenet in psychological research and practice. This observable aspect allows for consistent and reliable evaluation of behaviors, which is essential in fields such as therapy and behavioral modification strategies.

While thoughts and feelings influence actions and are significant in understanding the broader context of human behavior, they do not directly define behavior itself as much as observable actions do. Consequently, these internal states are crucial to comprehensive psychological approaches but are not classified as behaviors in strict terms. Similarly, moral judgments on behaviors reflect societal norms and values rather than the scientific and objective basis of behavior itself. This distinction is important for psychiatric technicians who must focus on measurable behaviors when assessing patient needs and responses.