Observations, Inferences, and Predictions

In the intricate dance of human behavior, psychologists and behavior analysts strive to understand not only what we do but also why we do it. This quest involves delving into the realm of covert behavior—those internal processes that elude direct observation, such as thoughts, feelings, and intentions. But how do we infer such invisible activitiesContinue reading “Observations, Inferences, and Predictions”

Associative Learning

Associative learning is a fascinating journey into understanding how organisms, including humans, learn to connect different elements of their environment. This process enables us to adapt and thrive by forming associations between stimuli and behaviors. Two fundamental types of associative learning are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Let’s explore these concepts, including the symbols commonlyContinue reading “Associative Learning”

Non-Associative Learning

In the fascinating landscape of psychology, learning is a complex and multifaceted process that goes beyond the simple associations between stimuli and responses. Enter the realm of non-associative learning, a foundational aspect of cognitive behaviorism that reveals how our responses to stimuli can change over time, independent of rewards or punishments. This blog post delvesContinue reading “Non-Associative Learning”

The Comparative Approach in Psychology

The Comparative Approach in Psychology: Bridging Human and Animal Minds Imagine walking into a laboratory where you might witness a rat skillfully navigating a maze or a pigeon pecking away at levers for rewards. These scenes are not just about animal antics but reflect a deep quest within the field of psychology — a questContinue reading “The Comparative Approach in Psychology”

Psychologist or Biologist?

In the exploration of the natural world, the roles of psychologists and biologists often appear distinctly separate, with each discipline marked by its unique methods and areas of focus. Historically, psychologists have delved into the intricacies of behavior and cognition within controlled laboratory settings, while biologists have ventured into the wild, studying how the environmentContinue reading “Psychologist or Biologist?”

What is Cognition?

Cognition, a term that captivates the interest of psychologists and biologists alike, stands at the forefront of understanding how both humans and animals interact with their environments. Despite the lack of a universally agreed-upon definition, cognition can broadly be conceptualized as the complex covert behavior involving the mechanisms through which animals acquire, process, store, andContinue reading “What is Cognition?”

Cognitive Behaviorism

Cognition, a multifaceted and dynamic construct, eludes a singular definition, as it encompasses a vast array of mental processes involved in acquiring, processing, storing, and utilizing information. B.F. Skinner’s notion of “covert” behavior introduces the idea that cognitive processes are not always overt actions but can also be internal and covert, shaping our thoughts andContinue reading “Cognitive Behaviorism”

What is “Stimuli”?

Understanding Stimuli: The Triggers of Behavior In the fascinating world of psychology, particularly within the study of behavior, you’ll frequently encounter the term “stimuli.” But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it so crucial in both human and animal psychology? Let’s dive into a simple explanation of stimuli and uncover their pivotalContinue reading “What is “Stimuli”?”

What is Behavior?

In the fascinating realm of psychology, the concepts of overt and covert behaviors provide a window into the multifaceted nature of human actions and thoughts. These two types of behaviors form the bedrock of how we understand, predict, and influence human actions in various settings, from clinical therapy to educational environments. This blog post delvesContinue reading “What is Behavior?”