What are the two types of behavior described as covert and overt?

The distinction between covert and overt behavior is fundamental in psychology and behavior analysis. Covert behavior refers to internal processes that cannot be directly observed by others. This includes thoughts, feelings, and intentions that occur within an individual's mind. For instance, thinking about a problem or feeling anxious would be considered covert because these experiences are personal and not visible to others.

On the other hand, overt behavior represents actions or responses that can be observed, measured, and recorded by others. An example of overt behavior would be speaking, running, or any other physical action that is visible in the environment.

Understanding this classification is crucial for psychometricians and psychologists, as it affects how behaviors are measured and assessed. In scientific research, recognizing the difference between these types of behaviors informs the choice of methodologies and the interpretation of data collected.