What psychological term refers to the observable behavior of an organism in response to stimuli?

The term that refers to the observable behavior of an organism in response to stimuli is known as a behavioral response. This concept is fundamental in psychology and emphasizes actions that can be seen and measured, rather than internal processes like thoughts or feelings. Behavioral responses are rooted in classical and operant conditioning theories, which focus on how organisms learn from their environment and respond accordingly.

In contrast, responding behavior is a more general term that can encompass any type of reaction, while emotional response specifically relates to feelings rather than observable actions. Cognitive response pertains to mental processes such as thinking and decision-making, which are not directly observable and do not fit the description of behavior in response to stimuli. Therefore, defining the observable behaviors in response to external events aligns precisely with the concept of a behavioral response.