Influencing Human Behavior: A Practical and Ethical Approach by Harry Allen Overstreet
Influencing Human Behavior Harry Allen Overstreet Pdf 16
Have you ever wondered how you can influence other people's behavior? How you can make them do what you want them to do? How you can change their attitudes, beliefs, or habits? If so, you might be interested in reading a classic book on this topic: Influencing Human Behavior by Harry Allen Overstreet. In this article, we will give you an overview of this book and its main ideas. We will also show you how you can apply these ideas in your own life and work. Finally, we will evaluate the benefits and limitations of this book and its approach to influencing human behavior.
Influencing Human Behavior Harry Allen Overstreet Pdf 16
Who was Harry Allen Overstreet?
Harry Allen Overstreet was an American psychologist and educator who lived from 1875 to 1970. He was born in San Francisco and studied at Harvard University. He taught psychology and philosophy at various colleges and universities in the United States. He was also a popular lecturer and writer who published several books on topics such as psychology, education, democracy, ethics, and religion. He was married to Bonaro Wilkinson Overstreet, who was also a psychologist and author.
One of his most famous books was Influencing Human Behavior, which was first published in 1925. It was a bestseller at the time and influenced many people in different fields such as business, politics, advertising, social work, etc. It was also translated into several languages and reprinted many times. The book is still available today as a PDF file that you can download for free from various websites.
What is the main idea of Influencing Human Behavior?
The main idea of Influencing Human Behavior is that human behavior can be influenced by three methods: suggestion, persuasion, and education. Overstreet argues that these methods are based on different psychological principles and have different effects on the people who are influenced by them. He also explains how to use these methods effectively and ethically in various situations and contexts.
Overstreet's book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with the theory of influencing human behavior. It covers topics such as the nature of human behavior, the types of human behavior, the sources of human behavior, and the methods of influencing human behavior. The second part deals with the practice of influencing human behavior. It covers topics such as the art of influencing human behavior, the ethics of influencing human behavior, and the applications of influencing human behavior in different fields and situations.
The four types of human behavior
According to Overstreet, there are four types of human behavior: instinctive, habitual, emotional, and rational. He defines them as follows:
Instinctive behavior is the behavior that is inherited from our ancestors and is common to all members of our species. It is based on biological needs and impulses that are not controlled by reason or will. Examples of instinctive behavior are breathing, eating, sleeping, etc.
Habitual behavior is the behavior that is acquired through repetition and association. It is based on learned responses that are triggered by certain stimuli or situations. Examples of habitual behavior are brushing our teeth, driving a car, saying hello, etc.
Emotional behavior is the behavior that is influenced by our feelings and emotions. It is based on subjective states that are aroused by various factors such as events, people, memories, etc. Examples of emotional behavior are laughing, crying, getting angry, falling in love, etc.
Rational behavior is the behavior that is guided by our reason and intelligence. It is based on logical thinking and conscious decision making. Examples of rational behavior are solving a problem, making a plan, choosing a career, etc.
Overstreet claims that these four types of human behavior are not mutually exclusive but rather interact and influence each other in complex ways. He also suggests that different methods of influencing human behavior are more or less effective depending on the type of behavior that is targeted.
The three methods of influencing human behavior
According to Overstreet, there are three methods of influencing human behavior: suggestion, persuasion, and education. He defines them as follows:
Suggestion is the method of influencing human behavior by implanting an idea or a feeling in someone's mind without giving any reasons or evidence for it. It works by appealing to the subconscious mind and bypassing the critical faculties of the conscious mind. Examples of suggestion are hypnosis, advertising, propaganda, etc.
Persuasion is the method of influencing human behavior by giving reasons or evidence for an idea or a feeling in someone's mind. It works by appealing to the conscious mind and stimulating the critical faculties of the conscious mind. Examples of persuasion are argumentation, debate, dialogue, etc.
Education is the method of influencing human behavior by developing someone's knowledge and skills in a certain field or domain. It works by appealing to both the conscious and the subconscious mind and enhancing the intellectual faculties of both minds. Examples of education are teaching, learning, studying, etc.
Overstreet claims that these three methods of influencing human behavior have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation and the goal that is pursued. He also suggests that different methods of influencing human behavior are more or less ethical depending on how they respect or violate the autonomy and dignity of the people who are influenced by them.
Suggestion
Suggestion is the method of influencing human behavior by implanting an idea or a feeling in someone's mind without giving any reasons or evidence for it. It works by appealing to the subconscious mind and bypassing the critical faculties of the conscious mind.
The advantages of suggestion are:
It is fast and easy to use.
It can produce powerful and lasting effects on human behavior.
It can reach a large number of people at once.
The disadvantages of suggestion are:
It is often based on false or misleading information.
It can manipulate and exploit people's emotions and instincts.
It can undermine people's rationality and autonomy.
Persuasion
Persuasion is the method of influencing human behavior by giving reasons or evidence for an idea or a feeling in someone's mind. It works by appealing to the conscious mind and stimulating the critical faculties of the conscious mind.
of influencing human behavior by trying different methods and techniques in your own life and work. You can also observe and analyze how other people influence your behavior or how you influence other people's behavior.
Influencing human behavior is a fascinating and important topic that can help you achieve your goals, improve your relationships, and make a positive difference in the world. However, it is also a complex and challenging topic that requires knowledge, skills, and ethics. Therefore, you should always use your power of influence wisely and responsibly.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Influencing Human Behavior by Harry Allen Overstreet:
Q: When was Influencing Human Behavior first published?
A: Influencing Human Behavior was first published in 1925.
Q: Who was Harry Allen Overstreet?
A: Harry Allen Overstreet was an American psychologist and educator who lived from 1875 to 1970.
Q: What are the four types of human behavior according to Overstreet?
A: The four types of human behavior according to Overstreet are instinctive, habitual, emotional, and rational.
Q: What are the three methods of influencing human behavior according to Overstreet?
A: The three methods of influencing human behavior according to Overstreet are suggestion, persuasion, and education.
Q: Where can I download the PDF file of Influencing Human Behavior?
A: You can download the PDF file of Influencing Human Behavior for free from various websites such as https://archive.org/details/influencinghuman00overrich or https://www.gutenberg.org/files/64631/64631-h/64631-h.htm.
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