Situational interview questions are in some ways similar to behavioral ones. In most cases, when someone is asked a situational interview question, he or she is presented with a sort of "what if" situation. The potential employer is looking to see how you would handle things if put into a certain "situation" that you have not been in before. Situational questions involve more spontaneous thinking. Answers to these questions cannot be easily memorized. In many of these questions, interviewers are looking to see if you possess good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Behavioral questions are used to see if you have the skills and are competent enough to handle the job. These types of questions are the ones that can be prepared for. Many websites offer example behavioral questions that can be tailored to fit you personally.
Whether situational or behavioral, you should never enter an interview completely unprepared. Practice makes perfect. A good interviewee rehearses potential questions over and over. This is the only way that you can prevent becoming caught off guard with a question that you are unsure of.
You did a great job explaining the difference between situational and behavioral interview questions. I think you explained it better to me than the textbook did. I agree with not going into an interview unprepared. I think people today think that they will get the job just by showing up. You need to be prepared to the fullest.
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