Psychology: Learning, Therapy, and Motivation Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to learning theories, therapy methods, and motivation theories in psychology.

Operant conditioning

A type of learning in which behavior is strengthened or weakened by consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment.

Reinforcement

Good behavior because it gives a reward.

The Law of Effect

Behaviors followed by favorable outcomes are more likely to be repeated.

Primary reinforcers

Stimulants that fulfill biological needs, such as food and water.

Secondary reinforcement

Stimulants that become rewarding through association, such as good grades and a new phone.

Reinforcement discrimination

The ability to distinguish between different stimuli and respond appropriately based on reinforcement.

Reinforcement generalization

The tendency to respond similarly to different stimuli associated with the same reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement

Presenting a desirable stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Negative reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus after a behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Punishment

Any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again.

Positive punishment

Adding an aversive stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Negative punishment

Removing a desirable stimulus after a behavior to decrease the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

Superstitious Behavior

Accidental reinforcement of behaviors, believing they cause desired outcomes.

Continuous reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior every time it occurs.

Partial reinforcement

Reinforcing a behavior only some of the time it occurs.

Fixed interval (FI)

Reinforcement delivered after a fixed amount of time has passed since the last reinforcement.

Variable interval (VI)

Reinforcement delivered after varying amounts of time since the last reinforcement.

Fixed Ratio (FR)

Reinforcement delivered after a fixed number of responses.

Variable Ratio (VR)

Reinforcement delivered after an unpredictable number of responses.

Learned helplessness

Belief that one has no control over circumstances, learned through repeated uncontrollable events.

Social learning theory

Theory that emphasizes learning through observing, imitating, and modeling behaviors.

Vicarious conditioning

Learning by observing the consequences of others' actions.

Insight learning

Sudden understanding of a problem leading to a solution without prior trial and error.

Cognitive maps

Mental representations of spatial relationships or layouts.

Asylums

Institutions popular in the sixteenth century for the care of individuals with mental disorders.

General Anxiety Disorder

A common condition involving excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations.

Specific Phobia

An intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations.

Agoraphobia

A psychological disorder characterized by fear of public spaces.

Panic disorder

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense fear and discomfort.

Social anxiety disorder

Significant fear of social situations where embarrassment may occur.

Taijin Kyofusho (TKS)

A Japanese disorder characterized by fear of offending others through bodily functions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A disorder characterized by unwanted obsessions and compulsive behaviors.

Illness anxiety disorder

Constant worry about being sick even when not.

Bipolar Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by extreme mood swings.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent mental stress after exposure to a traumatic event.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Disorders that begin in the developmental period, affecting behavior and learning.

Deinstitutionalization

The process of reducing the number of patients in psychiatric hospitals.

Evidence-based interventions

Therapeutic approaches supported by scientific research.

Therapeutic Alliances

The collaborative relationships between therapist and client.

Cultural humility

An ongoing process of self-reflection and learning about clients' cultural backgrounds.

Nonmaleficence

The ethical principle of "do no harm".

Fidelity

The ethical principle of maintaining trust and integrity in therapy.

Integrity

The ethical principle of being honest and consistent in professional actions.

Respect for People’s Rights & Dignity

Recognizing and honoring the worth of all individuals.

Psychodynamic therapies

Focus on uncovering unconscious conflicts to understand current behaviors.

Free association

Patients speaking freely about their thoughts to uncover conflicts.

Dream interpretation

Analyzing dream content to uncover unconscious thoughts.

Person-Centered Therapy

Offers a supportive environment for self-discovery and growth.

Active Listening

Therapists fully concentrate and respond to clients.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Complete acceptance and support provided by the therapist.

Cognitive therapies

Focus on changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional regulation.

Cognitive restructuring

Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.

Cognitive triad

Negative thought patterns about oneself, the world, and the future.

Applied Behavior Analysis

Therapy using learning principles to improve specific behaviors.

Exposure therapy

Gradual exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety.

Token Economies

Behavioral systems where tokens for desired behaviors are earned.

Biofeedback

Technique using monitoring to help control physiological functions.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT)

Treatments combining cognitive and behavioral techniques.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Focuses on skills for emotional regulation and improving relationships.

Hypnosis

Therapeutic technique effective for treating pain and anxiety.