Operant and Classical Conditioning Explained
Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning is when a subject performs an activity to get something in return. The subject is more likely to repeat the behaviors reinforced (reinforcement is what is offered to the subject to change the behavior that prompted it). These behaviors are actions on the environment to obtain rewards or eliminate punitive stimuli. In the learning process, results lead to response reinforcement. Primary reinforcers are related to basic needs like food, drink, and sexual satisfaction.
Read More10 Research Designs: Types and Methods
Descriptive Research Design
Descriptive research design focuses on describing existing conditions, behaviors, or characteristics by systematically gathering information. The key defining attribute of this type of research design is that it purely describes the situation. It doesn’t explore potential relationships between different variables or the causes that may underlie those relationships. It is useful for generating insight into a research problem by describing its characteristics.
Correlational
Read MorePiaget’s Theory: Stages of Cognitive Development
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development
Piaget was devoted to studying the genesis of knowledge, constructing it from a biologist’s perspective. Born in Switzerland, he studied psychology, epistemology, and philosophy. Genesis is the passage from a less complex state to a more balanced and complex one. Emotional and cognitive life are two key aspects of behavior:
- Affective: Referring to emotions, also called energy (the energy needed to function).
- Cognitive: Refers to knowledge, also known as structural
Understanding Cultural Values: Functions and Impact
Functions of Cultural Values
Cultural value patterns shape how we evaluate our own behavior and the behavior of others. They serve several key functions:
- Identity Meaning Function
- Sense-Making/Explanatory Function
- Boundary Regulation Function
- Adaptational Function
Identity Meaning Function
Culture plays a vital role in answering the fundamental question: “Who am I?” Cultural beliefs, values, and norms provide meaning to our identities. For instance, in mainstream U.S. culture, middle-class values often
Read MoreThe Nervous System: Structure, Function, and Drugs
Nervous System Overview
NERVOUS
Nerve current
Electricity: species
- Electrons on metal conduit
- Ions (charged particles) more cations – Na
- Less anion-Cl
Ions
Charged particles
b) Inter neuronal connections (synapses) transmission chemical type
- Button: axon terminal. Neurotransmitter vesicles: NT
- Gap: cracks
c) circuit
Convergent -> n1: n3
Divergent -> n2: n3
Classification
1) Anatomy
Brain-m spinal
a) SNC
b) nervous SNP
Substances: gray somas – White: axons
Gray and white substances
Anatomy
SNC
a) central
- Brain
- Spinal
Understanding Deviance, Social Control, and Stratification
Deviance and Social Control
Deviance: Any behavior or physical appearance that departs from the norms of a group and generates a negative reaction.
Social Control: Methods used to teach compliance and conformity.
Conformity: Behaviors and appearances that follow and maintain the norms of the group.
Violation of Norms
We have been socialized to accept norms. Norms provide order and stability, including folkways and mores.
Functionalist Perspective on Deviance
Deviance is part of every society. Every society
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