Short Notes on Behaviour (25 Pages)

Page 1–2: Introduction to Behaviour

 Definition: Behaviour refers to the actions, reactions, and conduct of an individual in
response to internal or external stimuli.
 Nature of Behaviour:
o Observable (e.g., speaking, walking).
o Non-observable (e.g., thinking, emotions).
 Characteristics:
o Goal-directed.
o Influenced by environment.
o Learned and adaptive.
o Can be positive or negative.
 Determinants:
o Biological factors (genes, hormones, brain).
o Psychological factors (personality, perception).
o Social factors (culture, family, peers).

Page 3–4: Types of Behaviour

 Overt Behaviour: Visible and measurable (talking, running).
 Covert Behaviour: Internal processes (thinking, feeling).
 Innate Behaviour: Present from birth (reflexes, instincts).
 Learned Behaviour: Acquired through experience (language, habits).
 Adaptive Behaviour: Helps survival (problem-solving, cooperation).
 Maladaptive Behaviour: Harmful or non-productive (addictions, aggression).
 Conscious Behaviour: Done with awareness (studying).
 Unconscious Behaviour: Automatic (dreams, slips of tongue).

Page 5–6: Biological Basis of Behaviour

 Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord control all actions.
 Endocrine System: Hormones influence emotions and actions.
 Neurotransmitters: Chemicals like dopamine, serotonin regulate mood &
motivation.
 Genetics: Inherited traits affect temperament and behaviour.
 Fight-or-Flight Response: Automatic reaction to stress or danger.
 Brain Areas:
o Frontal lobe → decision making.
o Limbic system → emotions.
 o Cerebellum → coordination.

Page 7–8: Cognitive Aspects of Behaviour

 Perception: Organizing and interpreting sensory information.
 Attention: Focusing mental energy on a stimulus.
 Memory: Storing and recalling experiences.
 Thinking: Problem-solving, reasoning, creativity.
 Decision Making: Choosing between alternatives.
 Beliefs & Attitudes: Shape choices and reactions.

Page 9–10: Emotional Aspects of Behaviour

 Definition: Emotions are complex reactions involving physiological arousal,
behaviour, and feelings.
 Basic Emotions: Happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, disgust.
 Functions of Emotions:
o Prepare body for action.
o Communicate feelings.
o Influence social interactions.
 Emotional Regulation: Controlling emotional responses (self-control, coping).
 Emotional Intelligence (EI): Ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions.

Page 11–12: Social Behaviour

 Definition: Interaction of individuals with society.
 Examples: Cooperation, competition, leadership, communication.
 Social Norms: Rules guiding acceptable behaviour.
 Conformity: Adjusting behaviour to fit group standards.
 Obedience: Following authority figures.
 Altruism: Helping others without expecting reward.
 Aggression: Behaviour intended to harm.

Page 13–14: Learning and Behaviour

 Learning: Permanent change in behaviour due to experience.
 Classical Conditioning (Pavlov): Learning by association.
 Operant Conditioning (Skinner): Learning through rewards & punishments.
 Observational Learning (Bandura): Learning by imitating others.
 Habituation: Reduced response after repeated exposure.
  Application: Education, training, therapy.

Page 15–16: Motivation and Behaviour

 Definition: Internal drive that energizes behaviour.
 Types:
o Intrinsic (self-driven).
o Extrinsic (external rewards).
 Theories:
o Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
o Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory.
o McClelland’s Theory of Needs (power, achievement, affiliation).
 Effect on Behaviour: Determines effort, persistence, performance.

Page 17–18: Personality and Behaviour

 Definition: Unique combination of traits influencing behaviour.
 Personality Theories:
o Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory.
o Trait Theory (Big Five: OCEAN – Openness, Conscientiousness,
Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism).
o Behaviourist Theory.
 Personality and Behaviour: Extroverts socialize more, conscientious people are
disciplined.
 Applications: Recruitment, counselling, leadership.

Page 19–20: Abnormal Behaviour

 Definition: Behaviour deviating from social norms or causing distress.
 Causes: Genetics, brain damage, stress, trauma.
 Examples:
o Anxiety disorders.
o Depression.
o Schizophrenia.
o Addiction.
 Diagnosis: DSM-5 and ICD-10 criteria.
 Treatment: Psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes.

Page 21–22: Behaviour in Groups & Society

  Group Behaviour: How individuals act in groups.
 Group Dynamics: Roles, leadership, communication.
 Social Influence: Peer pressure, social media impact.
 Crowd Behaviour: Loss of individuality, mob actions.
 Organizational Behaviour: Study of behaviour in workplace settings.
 Cultural Influence: Values, traditions, and norms shape behaviour.

Page 23–24: Behaviour Modification Techniques

 Definition: Systematic approach to change undesirable behaviour.
 Methods:
o Positive reinforcement.
o Negative reinforcement.
o Punishment.
o Extinction (removing reinforcement).
o Token economy (reward points).
 Applications:
o Education (discipline, learning).
o Therapy (phobias, addictions).
o Workplace (productivity).

Page 25: Summary & Key Points

 Behaviour is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
 It can be overt or covert, innate or learned.
 Cognition, emotion, personality, and motivation shape actions.
 Behaviour changes with learning, reinforcement, and environment.
 Understanding behaviour is key for education, health, management, and social
harmony