Motivation Cycle: Definition, Stages, and Effects
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.
Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory
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…
What Are the 16 Personality Factors?
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…
50+ Great Emotional Intelligence Quotes
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…
What Is a Conditioned Response? Definition and Examples
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…
What Is a Conditioned Stimulus in Psychology?
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…
What Is Prosocial Behavior? Meaning and Examples
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,…
16 MBTI Personality Types
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…
What Is the Unconditioned Response in Psychology?
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…
What Is Functional Fixedness in Psychology?
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,…
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Kohlberg suggested that moral reasoning emerges in a serious of stages. Learn how the process works.
What Is the Sensorimotor Stage in Psychology?
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…
What Is the Ego in Psychology?
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…
What Is the Id in Psychology?
In Sigmund Freud’s theory of personality, the id is the primitive part of human personality that strives to fulfill a person’s most basic, instinctive desires. This part of a personality is part of the unconscious mind. According to Freud, the id operates based on what is known as the pleasure principle. This means that the…
Unconditioned Stimulus: Definition and Examples
In classical conditioning, the unconditioned stimulus automatically leads to a response. It triggers a response unconditionally without any prior learning. The unconditioned stimulus sets the foundation for forming conditioned responses through associative learning. An unexpected loud noise is one example. You react naturally and automatically when this unconditional stimulus occurs by flinching in surprise. That unlearned…
What Is the Premack Principle?
The Premack Principle is a psychological concept suggesting that high-probability behavior can help reinforce low-probability behavior. In simpler terms, it involves using an enjoyable activity that someone prefers to encourage them to engage in a less enjoyable activity. For example, a teacher might tell students that they have to finish their assignment first, and then…
What Is the Recency Effect? Definition and Examples
The recency effect shows how our memory is influenced by the most recent information. Discover how this cognitive bias shapes our perceptions and decision-making.
Thorndike’s Law of Effect: Definition and Examples
The law of effect is an important psychological principle based on a pretty simple premise—behaviors that are followed by positive consequences are more likely to be repeated. At the same time, behaviors followed by negative consequences are less likely to be repeated. It was first proposed by psychologist Edward Thorndike and had a significant impact…
What Is Punishment in Psychology?
In psychology, punishment refers to presenting an aversive stimulus or removing a positive stimulus in response to a behavior to reduce the likelihood of that behavior occurring again. Punishment is a concept within operant conditioning, a behaviorist theory developed by B.F. Skinner. The effectiveness of punishment in modifying behavior can vary, and its use is…
Extinction in Psychology: Definition and Examples
Extinction weakens or eliminates learned behaviors by removing the reinforcement or stimulus that originally triggered them, playing a crucial role in behavior modification. Key Takeaways: What Is Extinction in Psychology? Extinction in psychology refers to the process of reducing or eliminating a learned behavior by removing the reinforcement or consequence that previously followed that behavior….