Psychological Theories and Conditioning

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to psychological theories, particularly focusing on conditioning methods, reinforcement, and cognitive theories.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired, leading to the association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Law of Effect

A principle stating that behaviors followed by satisfying outcomes are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely to be repeated.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response without prior conditioning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The unlearned, naturally occurring response to the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

An initially neutral stimulus that, after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus that has become a conditioned stimulus.

Extinction

The diminishing of a conditioned response when an unconditioned stimulus no longer follows a conditioned stimulus.

Generalization

The tendency of a conditioned response to be elicited by stimuli that are similar but not identical to the conditioned stimulus.

Spontaneous Recovery

The reappearance, after a pause, of an extinguished conditioned response.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior.

Primary Reinforcers

Stimuli that have a biological value and are naturally rewarding.

Secondary Reinforcers

Stimuli that acquire their reinforcing power through association with primary reinforcers.

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is reinforced every time it occurs.

Partial Reinforcement Schedule

A reinforcement schedule in which a behavior is reinforced only some of the time.

Shaping

Gradually rewarding closer and closer approximations of the desired behavior.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating others, rather than through direct reinforcement.

Cognitive Triad

A concept in cognitive therapy stating that depressed individuals often have a negative view of themselves, the world, and the future.

False Consensus Effect

A cognitive bias whereby a person overestimates the degree to which their beliefs or opinions are typical of those of others.

False Uniqueness Effect

A cognitive bias where individuals underestimate how common their prized traits or behaviors are.

Self-Regulatory Processes

The ways individuals control their behavior through self-observation, judgment, and self-reaction.

Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory proposed by Maslow, prioritizing human needs from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.