Limits, Applications

Biofeedback

a system for electronically recording, amplifying, and feeding back information regarding a subtle physiological state, such as blood pressure or muscle tension

Limits on Classical Conditioning

each species' predispositions prepare it to learn the associations that enhance its survival -> preparedness

Limits on Operant Conditioning

animals can mostly easily learn and retain behaviors that draw on their biological predisposition. (biological contraints predispose organisms to learn associations that are naturally adaptive)

Expectancy

the more predictable the association, the stronger the conditioned response

Cognitive Map

a mental representation of the layout of one's environment

Latent learning

learning that occurs but is not apparent until there is an incentive to demonstrate it

Insight

a sudden realization of a problem's solution; contrasts with strategy-based solutions

intrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake

extrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment

problem-focused coping

Attempting to alleviate stress directly by changing the stressor or the way we interact with that stressor.

emotion-focused coping

attempting to alleviate stress by avoiding or ignoring a stressor and attending to emotional needs related to one's stress reaction

personal control

our sense of controlling our environment rather than feeling helpless

learned helplessness

the hopelessness and passive resignation an animal or human learns when unable to avoid repeated aversive events

external locus of control

the perception that chance or outside forces beyond your personal control determine your fate.

internal locus of control

the perception that you control your own fate