CLEP Psychology

CLEP Psychology covers the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, preparing students for the CLEP exam.

History and ApproachesResearch MethodsBiological Bases of Behavior
Sensation and PerceptionLearning and ConditioningMemory and Cognition
Applying Psychology to LearningPsychology in Everyday LifeMental Health Awareness
Effective Time ManagementPractice with Sample QuestionsMaster Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Memory AidsStay Calm and Focused
History and Approach...Research MethodsBiological Bases of ...Sensation and Percep...Learning and Conditi...Memory and CognitionApplying Psychology ...Psychology in Everyd...Mental Health Awaren...Effective Time Manag...Practice with Sample...Master Key TermsUse Mnemonics and Me...Stay Calm and Focuse...
Advanced Topics

Learning and Conditioning

How Do We Learn?

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior due to experience. Conditioning is a key learning process.

Classical Conditioning

Ivan Pavlov discovered that dogs could learn to associate a bell with food, eventually salivating at the sound alone.

  • Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally triggers a response (food).
  • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): A new trigger (bell) that leads to the same response after association.

Operant Conditioning

B.F. Skinner showed that behaviors could be shaped by rewards or punishments.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Adding something pleasant to increase behavior.
  • Negative Reinforcement: Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior.
  • Punishment: Decreases unwanted behavior.

Everyday Uses

Teachers use rewards for good grades, and apps use notifications to encourage use.

Examples

  • A student studies harder after receiving praise from a teacher.

  • A pet learns to sit for treats.

In a Nutshell

Learning involves changes in behavior through experience, often shaped by conditioning.

Key Terms

Classical Conditioning
Learning through association between a neutral stimulus and a natural response.
Operant Conditioning
Learning based on consequences, such as rewards or punishments.
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Memory and Cognition