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…
The 16 Personality Factors (16PF) are a framework for understanding personality traits introduced by psychologist Raymond Cattell. This theory is based on the idea that there are 16 basic personality dimensions. Cattell also suggested that these dimensions could be measured using self-report questionnaires and other methods. Cattell’s theory is one of the many ways of…
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…
Affirmations are positive statements that resonate with you and help promote well-being. They can focus on a range of topics. For example, affirmations for anxiety can help you feel calmer, more relaxed, and better able to handle feelings of distress. How you speak to yourself, or your self-talk, can play an important role in how…
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…
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to perceive and manage one’s own emotions and understand those of others. Exploring some emotional intelligence quotes from experts, researchers, and others can provide insight into what this ability means and how it can affect one’s life. Research has shown that being able to identify and label your emotions…
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…
A conditioned stimulus is a stimulus that evokes a conditioned response. A previously neutral stimulus is associated with an unconditioned stimulus through the classical conditioning process. Eventually, this neutral stimulus starts to evoke the same response, at which point it becomes known as the conditioned stimulus. For example, imagine that you hear the sound of…
Prosocial behavior involves actions that are designed to help other people or to benefit society as a whole. Examples of prosocial behaviors include being kind, comforting, generous, or helpful. When people engage in prosocial behaviors, they often do so because they are concerned, compassionate, and empathetic. They want to ensure others have what they need,…
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.
In classical conditioning, the unconditioned response is the natural, automatic reaction that is triggered by the unconditioned stimulus. It occurs unconditionally, which means it happens without having to go through any prior learning. For example, if you hear a loud, sudden noise, you might automatically startle. That natural reaction is the unconditioned response. You don’t…
Functional fixedness is when people can only think of traditional ways of using objects. It is a type of cognitive bias that prevents people from thinking outside of the box and developing creative solutions. When you have a particular tool, you might look at it in terms of how it is traditionally used. A screwdriver,…
Disorganized attachment is an insecure attachment style characterized by avoidant and fearful behaviors. Also known as fearful-avoidant attachment, this style often stems from abuse, neglect, or trauma in childhood. Disorganized attachment in adults leads to a range of erratic behavior. People may seem disoriented, fearful, and ambivalent in their interactions with their partner. This can…
Kohlberg suggested that moral reasoning emerges in a serious of stages. Learn how the process works.
