A conditioned reinforcer, also known as a secondary reinforcer, is a stimulus that becomes reinforcing after it is associated with primary reinforcers or other conditioned reinforcers. Unlike primary reinforcers, which are inherently rewarding (such as food, water, or shelter), conditioned reinforcers only acquire their reinforcing power through repeated pairing with primary reinforcers or other conditioned…
It’s easy to overlook the small blessings around us, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Yet, nurturing gratitude is essential for our mental well-being. Affirmations for gratitude, simple statements repeated to ourselves, play a vital role in this journey. They help us shift focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering appreciation and contentment….
From behaviorism to humanism, the seven schools of thought in psychology offer unique insights into the mind. Explore how each perspective has shaped our understanding of human behavior and mental processes.
Learn how Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory explains the impact of different environments on human development.
Affirmations for self-esteem can be a helpful way to focus on your strengths and improve how you feel about yourself. Such affirmations are positive statements that serve as a source of support and encouragement. Affirmations for self-esteem serve as powerful tools for cultivating a positive self-image and mindset. By repeating positive statements about oneself, individuals…
Affirmations, simple positive statements, are more than feel-good phrases—they’re a powerful tool backed by psychology to boost confidence and shift mindsets.
Negative reinforcement and punishment are both important concepts in B.F. Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning. Negative reinforcement removes something bad to encourage good behavior, while punishment adds something bad to discourage bad behavior. Understanding the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment is really important. They both try to change behavior, but they work in different…
Reinforcement in psychology involves increasing the likelihood of a behavior by introducing a stimulus, whereas punishment decreases the likelihood of a behavior by introducing a consequence. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, while punishment weakens it. Reinforcement and punishment are both important concepts in operant conditioning, a behavioral theory of learning introduced by psychologist B.F. Skinner. Operant…
Insight learning theory is all about those “lightbulb moments” we experience when we suddenly understand something. Instead of slowly figuring things out through trial and error, insight theory says we can suddenly see the solution to a problem in our minds. This theory is super important because it helps us understand how our brains work…
The human motivation cycle explains why we pursue goals and how we stay driven. Discover how this cycle shapes our actions and keeps us moving forward, even in the face of challenges.
Self-concept and self-esteem share some similarities, but there are important differences.
Vygotsky’s social development theory highlights the critical role of social interactions and cultural tools in shaping children’s cognitive abilities, emphasizing learning through collaboration and guidance. Key Takeaways What is Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory? Vygotsky’s social development theory suggests that children’s cognitive growth is deeply influenced by social interactions and cultural tools, with learning best facilitated…
Positive attitudes are about looking at life with optimism. People who have positive attitudes are compelling. Others enjoy being around them because they feel inspired and uplifted by their infectious approach to life. Researchers have found that having a positive outlook on life can have a wide range of benefits, from boosting your well-being to…
Lack of communication is when people fail to interact and express themselves in ways that foster healthy connections and relationships. This can take a toll on trust and intimacy in close relationships. Poor or insufficient communication in relationships can create problems, including insecurity and conflict. Here’s what you should do if you struggle to get…
Everyone feels sensitive at certain times or about certain topics, but excessive or inappropriate displays of emotion are sometimes described as highly emotional or overly emotional. If it feels like you are always fighting to hold back your feelings, understanding what might be making you feel highly emotional is a good place to start. Characteristics…
A conditioned response is the result of classical conditioning. It happens after a neutral stimulus has been paired with an unconditioned stimulus. In other words, a conditioned response is a learned reaction to a specific stimulus. It’s a behavior that occurs automatically when the organism encounters or anticipates the stimulus, as a result of previous…
The 16 MBTI personality types are those identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This self-report personality questionnaire suggests that personality comprises four dimensions, corresponding to 16 distinct personality types. What Is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)? The MBTI stands for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The test was developed by writer Katharine Cook Briggs and her…
Understand how self-concept shapes your perception of yourself and influences your behavior and decisions.
According to Piaget, the sensorimotor stage of development occurs during the first two years of a child’s life. During this period of development, children utilize their sensory abilities to learn more about themselves and the world around them. The sensorimotor stage is the first stage in Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. This stage lasts…
In Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche, he described three parts of personality: the id, ego, and superego. The ego is the part of personality that strikes a balance between the primitive urges of the id, the idealistic standards of the superego, and the demands of reality. Freud believed that the ego functions according…
