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…
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,…
Kohlberg suggested that moral reasoning emerges in a serious of stages. Learn how the process works.
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 theory of personality, 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 to the…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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 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….
Incongruence, a psychological mismatch between your self-perception and ideal self, can lead to emotional distress and hinder personal growth. Carl Rogers’ humanistic theory highlights how aligning these aspects is crucial for well-being. Key Takeaways What Is Incongruence? Incongruence, as defined by psychologist Carl Rogers, occurs when there’s a disparity between your perceived self and your…
Working memory is a form of memory that temporarily holds information that a person needs to perform immediate mental tasks. It involves actively processing and manipulating information to perform activities like comprehending information, solving problems, and making decisions. Working memory is an executive function that plays an important role in many cognitive processes. It allows…
Choice blindness is a psychological phenomenon in which people fail to notice a mismatch between their intended choice and the choice presented to them. In other words, it is a surprising tendency to be unaware that our choices and preferences have been changed or manipulated after we’ve already made a choice. This tendency suggests that…
Self-determination theory (SDT) is a framework for understanding human motivation that focuses on the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Self-determination refers to individuals’ ability to control their actions and make choices aligned with their goals, needs, and values. Intrinsic motivation is another important component of self-determination theory. It is a type of motivation that…
When rewards backfire: how external incentives can drain natural motivation and alter our relationship with things we once loved doing.
