Final answer:
The statement that behavior is only measured by what is observable is false, as behavior is influenced by internal and personal factors that are not always visible. The actor-observer bias and the Thomas theorem both support the complexity of understanding human behavior beyond mere observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question, 'Your behavior is only measured by what people can observer.' can be evaluated as False. Behavior is complex, and only a portion of it is observable. Internal states, motivations, and situational influences are often not visible to others. According to the actor-observer bias, we tend to attribute other people's behaviors to their dispositions, while we attribute our own actions to situational factors. This is because, as actors, we are privy to more information about the influences on our own behavior, while as observers, we tend to make judgments based on limited observed information.
Public opinion is not merely a measurement of observable behavior or the opinion of elected officials. It encompasses a collective set of attitudes or beliefs within a population, which can be influenced by many factors, not all of which are observable. Furthermore, the way people behave can be affected by their awareness of being observed, as highlighted by the difference in driving behavior when a police car is behind you versus driving alone.
The Thomas theorem also supports the idea that subjective interpretations of reality can significantly affect behavior. People may respond to a situation based on their perception of it, which can have real and tangible consequences.