Final answer:
We worry about general behaviors when thinking about whether lessons generalize to a new context because behavior is observable, but the reason for the behavior is not always clear. Understanding behavior in general is important for making decisions in various aspects of life. Psychologists must be creative in finding ways to gather and interpret data to better understand behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason we worry about general behaviors when thinking about whether lessons generalize to a new context is because behavior is observable, but the reason for the behavior is not always clear. It can be difficult to determine the underlying cause of someone's behavior just by observing it. To better understand behavior, psychologists must be creative in finding ways to gather and interpret data.
For example, in the case of infants who are unable to explain why they are crying, psychologists might look for patterns or triggers in the environment that may be causing the behavior. By studying general behaviors and their underlying factors, psychologists can make educated predictions about how behavior might generalize to new contexts.
Understanding behavior in general is important for making decisions in various aspects of life, both personal and public. It allows us to better comprehend the motivations and actions of others, and it helps us navigate social situations and make informed choices.