Research article summary (published 29 Sep 2005):

Note regarding the word 'behavior' in glossaries of introductory textbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias devoted to psychology.

Full Abstract

Glossaries of introductory textbooks in psychology, biology, and animal behavior were surveyed to find whether they induded the word 'behavior'. In addition to texts, encyclopedias and dictionaries devoted to the study of behavior were also surveyed. Of the 138 tests sampled across all three fields, only 38 (27%) included the term 'behavior' in their glossaries. Of the 15 encyclopedias and dictionaries surveyed, only 5 defined 'behavior'. To assess whether the term 'behavior' has disappeared from textbook glossaries or whether it has usually been absent, we sampled 23 introductory psychology texts written from 1886 to 1958. Only two texts contained glossaries, and the word 'behavior' was defined in both. An informal survey was conducted of students enrolled in introductory classes in psychology, biology, and animal behavior to provide data on the consistency of definitions. Students were asked to "define the word 'behavior'." Analysis indicated the definition was dependent upon the course. We suggest that future introductory textbook authors and editors of psychology-based dictionaries and encyclopedias include 'behavior' in their glossaries.

Author information

Author/s: Abramson, Charles I (CI); Place, Aaron J (AJ);

Affiliation: Oklahoma State University, USA. charles(-atsign-)okstate.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Perceptual and motor skills (Percept Mot Skills), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-Oct; vol 101 (issue 2) : pp 568-74

Dates: Created 2005/12/30; Completed 2006/03/13; Revised 2007/11/15;

PMID: 16383094, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Adult Animals Behavior Behavior, Animal Biology - education Concept Formation Curriculum Dictionaries as Topic

Dictionaries as Topic Encyclopedias as Topic Female Humans Male Psychology - education Semantics Students - psychology Textbooks as Topic

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