AP Psychology

Advanced Placement Psychology studying behavior and mental processes.

Foundations of PsychologyResearch MethodsBiological Bases of Behavior
Learning and ConditioningDevelopmental PsychologyAbnormal Psychology and Treatment
Applying Psychology in SchoolPsychology in Everyday LifeCareers in Psychology
Understanding AP Exam QuestionsEffective Study Habits
Foundations of Psych...Research MethodsBiological Bases of ...Learning and Conditi...Developmental Psycho...Abnormal Psychology ...Applying Psychology ...Psychology in Everyd...Careers in Psycholog...Understanding AP Exa...Effective Study Habi...
Advanced Topics

Learning and Conditioning

How We Learn

Learning in psychology means a lasting change in behavior due to experience. There are two main ways we learn: classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

This is about learning by association. If you hear a bell every time you eat lunch, soon the bell alone might make you hungry.

Operant Conditioning

Here, behavior is shaped by rewards and punishments. Do your homework and get praise—you’re more likely to do it again!

Observational Learning

We also learn by watching others. If your friend gets in trouble for texting in class, you might not do it yourself.

Real Life

Marketers use these principles to get us to buy things, and teachers use them to create better learning environments.

Examples

  • A dog salivates when it hears a can opener because it means food is coming.

  • A student studies harder after getting a good grade on a previous test.

In a Nutshell

Learning happens through association, consequences, and observation.

Key Terms

Classical Conditioning
Learning by associating two things together.
Operant Conditioning
Learning through rewards and punishments.
Observational Learning
Learning by watching others.
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Developmental Psychology