Psychology Key Terms: Cognitive Maps, Motivation, Coping, and Social Behavior

Cognitive Map

A mental picture of the layout of an area that helps you navigate. Example: Knowing how to get to the cafeteria from any hallway. Non-example: Following GPS directions step by step.

Latent Learning

Learning that happens without reinforcement and is shown only when needed. Example: Knowing where classrooms are without trying to memorize them. Non-example: Studying to get a good grade.

Insight

A sudden realization of a solution without trial-and-error. Example: Suddenly understanding a math problem. Non-example: Slowly improving through practice.

Intrinsic Motivation

Wanting to do something because you enjoy it. Example: Drawing because you like art. Non-example: Drawing to earn a prize.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something to earn a reward or avoid punishment. Example: Doing homework to avoid detention. Non-example: Doing homework because you enjoy learning.

Cope

To deal with stress in a way that reduces emotional strain. Example: Talking to a friend after a bad day. Non-example: Ignoring the problem completely.

Problem-Focused Coping

Reducing stress by fixing the actual problem. Example: Making a study schedule. Non-example: Crying to feel better without solving anything.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Reducing stress by managing emotions instead of the problem. Example: Listening to music to calm down. Non-example: Retaking a test to fix the grade.

Learned Helplessness

Giving up because repeated failures make you believe nothing will change. Example: A student stops trying in math. Non-example: Trying harder after failing.

External Locus of Control

Believing outcomes are controlled by luck or other people. Example: Blaming a bad grade on the teacher. Non-example: Believing studying caused the grade.

Internal Locus of Control

Believing outcomes depend on your own actions. Example: Studying more after a bad test. Non-example: Saying nothing you do matters.

Self-Control

The ability to delay gratification and control impulses. Example: Studying instead of going on your phone. Non-example: Acting on impulse.

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others. Example: Learning how to solve a problem by watching the teacher. Non-example: Learning through trial and error.

Modeling

Copying behavior after observing someone else. Example: A child copying a parent's behavior. Non-example: Learning information without copying actions.

Mirror Neurons

Brain cells that fire when you act and when you watch someone else act. Example: Feeling nervous watching someone give a speech. Non-example: Memorizing facts from a book.

Prosocial

Behaviors intended to help others. Example: Helping a classmate. Non-example: Bullying.

Antisocial

Behaviors that harm or ignore others. Example: Vandalism or bullying. Non-example: Helping someone.