Psychology Learning

Classical conditioning

• A learning process occurring through associations between 2 stimuli, an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus, so that a response which originally occured to one stimulus, begins to occur to the other.

• Unconditioned stimulus: a stimulus that naturally triggers a response

• Unconditioned response: a natural, unlearned reaction to the US

• Conditioned stimulus: a previousl

Operant conditioning

A method of learning occurring through rewards and punishments for behavior, where an association is made between a behavior and a consequence (e.g., Skinner box).

Schema Theory

A cognitive theory proposing that human knowledge, beliefs, and expectations are organized into mental frameworks (schemas) that guide memory, perception, and behavior.

Biological reductionism

The approach that attempts to explain complex human behavior, mental processes, and psychological phenomena solely by reducing them to basic biological components, such as genetics, neurotransmitters, or brain structures.

Localization of function

The theory that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors, functions, or mental processes (e.g., Broca's area for speech production).

Brain imaging techniques (fMRI)

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow (hemodynamic response) to map active brain regions.

Cognitive Models

Structural or procedural representations used to describe and conceptualize mental processes, such as memory or decision-making (e.g., the Multi-Store Model of Memory).

Cognitive load theory

A theory suggesting that human working memory has a limited capacity, and instructional design should optimize the amount of information processing required to prevent cognitive overload.

Dual-processing theory

A cognitive model proposing that human thought arises from two distinct systems

Confirmation Bias

The cognitive tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses while ignoring contradictory evidence.

Anchoring Bias

A cognitive bias where individuals rely too heavily on the initial piece of information offered (the "anchor") when making decisions or estimations.

Social learning theory

Proposed by Albert Bandura, a theory stating that behavior is learned from the environment through observational learning, modeling, and vicarious reinforcement.

Cognitive dissonance

The psychological discomfort or tension experienced when a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values, or performs an action that contradicts their beliefs.