Aliya Qureshi, Academic Content Writer at Edumarz.
Overt and Covert Behaviors
Overt Behaviors include behaviors that can be seen and observed on the outside. Eg. Running away when a dog suddenly comes in front of you.
Covert Behaviors are the behaviors that can not be seen and observed. These are the behaviors that are covered. Eg. Pounding of heart when you feel nervous, personal feelings, meanings, etc.
In the early days of Psychology, Psychologists focused and studied only Overt behaviors using Scientific Methods of observation and measurement.
Nowadays, Psychologists use an Interpretive Method to study Covert behaviors as well. This Interpretive Method is used to study the subjective meaning of events and behaviors as they occur in a particular context.
Understanding the subjective meaning of events is important because every human being has their own understanding and meaning of an event. That event can be external (disasters, etc.) and/or internal (eg. Illnesses,etc.)
Psychological research (both scientific and interpretive) help in understanding one’s own behaviors by evincing one’s own behaviors, experiences and insights.