Learning Vocab

AP Psych

Classical conditioning

Definition: a learning process in which a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus that elicits a natural response or reflex, creating an automatic, conditioned response to the neutral stimulus

Characteristics/Facts:

• conditioned response

• neutral stimulus

• unconditioned conditioned response

Examples: Pavlov’s Dogs and the Little Albert Experiment

Non-examples: counter-conditioning or learning a skill like riding a bike

Counterconditioning

Definition: A technique of conditioning to replace an undesirable response to a stimulus with a favorable one.

Characteristics/Facts:

• positive stimulus

• previously negative stimulus

Examples: someone who is afraid of dogs sitting with a well-behaved dog while eating ice cream and Mary Cover Jones rabbit experiments

Non-examples: Pavlov’s Dogs and the Little Albert Experiments

Behavioral perspective

Definition: a psychological approach that focuses solely on observable behaviors, explaining them as learned responses to environmental stimuli through conditioning

Characteristics/Facts:

• behaviorism

• consequence of interactions with the environment

Examples: classical conditioning and operant conditioning

Non-examples: covert behavior like emotions and internal thoughts

Prosocial behavior

Definition: Occurs when people act to benefit others rather than themselves

Characteristics/Facts:

• selflessness

• altruism

Examples: volunteering and emotionally supporting others in distress

Non-examples: antisocial behaviors like saving the best piece of cake for yourself or continuing to stay seated on a bus while an 80-year-old woman is standing in front of you

Learned helplessness

Definition: A state that occurs after a person has repeatedly experienced a stressful situation. Individuals believe they cannot control or change the situation, so they do not try, even when opportunities for change are available

Characteristics/Facts:

• less persistence

• low motivation

Examples: A student who fails multiple tests after studying hard each time may begin to believe that will never succeed academically. An adult fails to give up smoking twice so they decide they will never be able to quit.

Non-examples: continuing to try after a failure like by getting back on a bike after you have fallen off multiple times or adapting to try and improve results like instead of simply studying you also get a tutor to explain the areas of confusion