Classical conditioning is a type of associative learning that occurs when two stimuli are paired together. After repeated pairings, the response that was originally elicited by the first stimulus (the unconditioned stimulus) becomes associated with the second stimulus (the conditioned stimulus). As a result, the conditioned stimulus is able to elicit the same response as the unconditioned stimulus (the unconditioned response). In classical conditioning, a subject learns to associate a particular stimulus with a particular response. For example, if a person experiences a positive emotion (e.g., happiness) every time they see a specific object (e.g., a yellow flower), they will…
Author: Iva Pritchett
Floor and ceiling effects refer to the limits of a measuring instrument. A floor effect is when the performance of a person being measured is so low that the person only scores near the bottom of the scale. A ceiling effect is when the person’s performance is so high that he or she only scores near the top of the scale. Floor effects refer to the phenomenon whereby scores at the lower end of a measurement scale are bunched together, resulting in a lack of variability. This can be due to a number of factors, including the set ceiling of…
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It is a multifaceted discipline that includes tasks such as helping people to overcome mental disorders, performing research to understand the human brain, and much more. In psychology class, students learn about the different subfields of psychology, as well as the methods and theories used by psychologists. Additionally, students often get the opportunity to conduct their own psychological research projects. Ultimately, psychology class can provide students with a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Through studying psychology in class, students can learn about the different ways in which the human…
In science, an operational definition is a definition of a measuring device or scientific procedure in terms of the specific, measurable operations conducted in order to determine the value or set of values to be assigned to a phenomenon. This is in contrast to operational definitions in other fields, where the operation to be performed is generally unique and not subject to measurement. Operational definitions are concrete and specific. For example, an operational definition of “weight” would be “the number shown on a scale.” Which is the best example of an operational definition? An operational definition is a definition of…
Have you ever wondered why family dynamics are so complex, or why certain patterns seem to repeat across generations? Understanding these subtle yet powerful relationships can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Enter Bowen Theory, a framework that offers insightful explanations into the emotional forces within a family that shape behaviors and interactions. Imagine a typical family scenario where tensions are high and communication breaks down. It’s not just about the surface-level issues; there’s a whole iceberg of emotional history and psychological processes beneath. By exploring the eight concepts of Bowen Theory, you’ll gain tools…
Mnemonic devices are tools that help us remember information. They work by encoding the information in a way that is easier for our brains to process and recall. For example, the mnemonic device of using acronyms can help us remember lists of information. The best mnemonic devices are those that are specific to the individual and the information they are trying to remember. A mnemonic is a memory aid. In psychology, mnemonics are used to help students remember information. One example of a mnemonic is the PEG system, which can be used to remember the order of the planets in…
A motivation is an underlying impulse that drives a person to action. Motivations can be positive or negative, and they can vary in intensity. Some common motivations in psychology include the drive to succeed, the need for approval, and the desire to avoid pain. A motivation in psychology is an inner drive that directs a person’s behavior towards a specific goal. This goal can be something as simple as getting a drink of water when thirsty, or something as complex as becoming wealthy. Motivations can be positive (calling someone to come over for dinner because you want them to enjoy…
In psychology, a confounding variable is an extraneous variable that has the potential to influence the results of a research study. For example, if a study is investigating the effect of a new medication on anxiety, but the participants also receive weekly counseling sessions, the counseling could be a confounding variable. If the study did not control for this variable, the results would be difficult to interpret. A confounding variable is any variable that affects the outcome of a study but is not accounted for in the study design. For example, if you were studying the effects of a new…
In psychology, centration is the act of concentrating on one thing to the exclusion of all others. For example, a person may centrate on a particular object in a room to the exclusion of all other objects in the room. Or, a person may centrate on a particular aspect of a person’s appearance to the exclusion of all other aspects. An example of centration in psychology would be if someone was fixated on a certain object and were not able to see anything else around it. What does centration mean in psychology? The preoperational stage is characterized by egocentrism, or…
It’s no secret that humans are social creatures. We have an innate need to connect with others and to feel loved and accepted. Our attachments to others begin forming in infancy and continue to evolve throughout our lives. There are four primary attachment styles that humans exhibit: secure, anxious-ambivalent, dismissive-avoidant, and disorganized. Each style is characterized by a unique set of behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Secure attachment is characterized by a sense of trust and security in relationships. Individuals with a secure attachment style are typically comfortable with intimacy and are able to express their emotions freely. Anxious-ambivalent attachment is…