The following definition of behavior identifies features that are essential for behavior analyst researchers and practitioners:
A) behavior is an organism's interaction with themselves and their biological features
B) behavior is an organism's interaction with its environment and involves functional relations between biological features of the organism and the environment
C) behavior is an organism's biological features and interaction between biological processes
D) behavior is an organism's functional relations with the environment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Option B is the best choice as it captures the essential features of behavior from a behavior analysis perspective, which emphasizes the functional relations between an organism's biological features and the environment. This definition acknowledges the active role played by both the organism and the environment in shaping and maintaining behavior, and highlights the importance of identifying and modifying environmental variables to produce meaningful behavioral change. Options A, C, and D are not as precise or comprehensive as option B. Option A only considers the organism's interaction with itself, which omits the impact of the environment. Option C focuses only on the biological aspects of behavior, ignoring the environmental factors that influence behavior. Option D is too general and does not fully capture the interplay between an organism's biology and the environment.

The Following Definition of Behavior Identifies Features That Are Essential