PSCL 101 Exam 2

What is the difference between an unconditioned stimulus and a conditioned stimulus?

-unconditioned stimulus triggers a response naturally

-conditioned stimulus triggers a response only after learning

How does extinction differ from forgetting?

-Extinction is the suppression of a learned response when the stimulus is no longer paired

-Forgetting is the loss of memory over time.

What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

The reappearance of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

-Positive reinforcement adds a stimulus to increase behavior

-Negative reinforcement removes a stimulus to increase behavior

What is the difference between positive and negative punishment?

-Positive punishment adds a stimulus to decrease behavior

-Negative punishment removes a stimulus to decrease behavior

What is shaping in operant conditioning?

Reinforcing successive approximations of a behavior to reach a final goal.

What is the difference between habituation and sensitization?

-Habituation is a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus

-Sensitization is an increase in response.

Why does multitasking negatively impact memory encoding?

Working memory has a limited capacity, making it difficult to process multiple streams of information simultaneously.

What is the difference between proactive and retroactive interference?

-Proactive interference occurs when old information hinders new learning

-Retroactive interference occurs when new information hinders the recall of old information

What is the difference between blocking and absentmindedness?

-Blocking is the inability to retrieve known information (tip-of-the-tongue)

-Absentmindedness is a failure to encode information due to lack of attention

What is the difference between analogical and symbolic representations?

Analogical representations are mental images, while symbolic representations are words or abstract symbols.

How do prototype and exemplar models differ in categorization?

-Prototype model compares items to a single 'best' example

-Exemplar model compares items to all specific memories of category members

What characterizes the three attachment styles in children?

Secure (distressed when caregiver leaves), Insecure/avoidant (not distressed), and Insecure/ambivalent (inconsolably upset).

What is the primary difference between assimilation and accommodation in Piaget's theory?

-Assimilation fits new info into existing schemas

-Accommodation creates or drastically alters schemas to fit new info

What is object permanence?

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

What is the difference between primary and secondary emotions?

-Primary emotions are innate and universal (e.g., fear, anger)

-Secondary emotions are complex and involve appraisals (e.g., guilt, jealousy).

How do emotions differ from moods?

-Emotions are short-lived and specific

-Moods are longer-lasting and more vague

What are the two axes of the circumplex model of emotion?

Valence (positive vs. negative) and arousal (high vs. low)

What does the Yerkes-Dodson law state about performance?

Performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, after which it decreases due to excessive stress.

What is the base level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Physiological needs, such as food and sleep.

What is the top level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Self-actualization.

What is the benefit of chunking in memory?

It organizes info into meaningful groups, making it easier to store in working memory.

Why does cramming lead to weaker long-term memory?

It results in weak encoding and lacks the consolidation time necessary for long-term retention.