Behavioral Science
What is the door-in-the-face technique?
Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura , proposes that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling . It bridges behaviorism and cognitive psychology by including mental processes.
The contact hypothesis proposes that intergroup contact under favorable conditions reduces prejudice . Conditions include equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation, and support from authorities.
The door-in-the-face technique starts with an unreasonably large request that is expected to be refused , followed by a smaller, more reasonable request. The contrast makes the second request seem more acceptable.
Prosocial behavior is voluntary action intended to benefit others , including helping, sharing, donating, and cooperating. It is influenced by empathy, social norms, and situational factors.
Behavioral Science
What is stimulus discrimination?
The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously , not sequentially. The thalamus sends signals to both the cortex (emotion) and the body (arousal) at the same time.
Stimulus discrimination is the ability to distinguish between the conditioned stimulus and similar stimuli . The organism responds to the CS but not to other similar stimuli, showing selective learning.
Bounded rationality, proposed by Herbert Simon , suggests that human decision-making is limited by available information, cognitive capacity, and time . People "satisfice" (accept good-enough solutions) rather than optimize.
Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura , proposes that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling . It bridges behaviorism and cognitive psychology by including mental processes.
Behavioral Science
What are fixed vs. growth mindsets?
Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect judgments and behavior . Measured through the Implicit Association Test (IAT), these biases can influence decisions even when people consciously reject prejudice.
Dual-process theory (Kahneman) proposes two systems: System 1 (fast, automatic, intuitive, effortless) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, analytical, effortful). Most daily decisions use System 1.
People reduce dissonance by: 1) changing their behavior , 2) changing their beliefs , 3) adding new cognitions to justify the inconsistency, or 4) minimizing the importance of the conflict.
Carol Dweck's research distinguishes fixed mindset (believing abilities are innate and unchangeable) from growth mindset (believing abilities can be developed through effort). Growth mindset promotes resilience and learning.
Behavioral Science
What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
This hypothesis proposes that frustration (being blocked from a goal) always leads to some form of aggression . While the original claim was too strong, frustration is recognized as a significant trigger for aggressive behavior.
The contact hypothesis proposes that intergroup contact under favorable conditions reduces prejudice . Conditions include equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation, and support from authorities.
Bounded rationality, proposed by Herbert Simon , suggests that human decision-making is limited by available information, cognitive capacity, and time . People "satisfice" (accept good-enough solutions) rather than optimize.
Robert Cialdini identified: 1) Reciprocity , 2) Commitment/Consistency , 3) Social proof , 4) Authority , 5) Liking , 6) Scarcity . These principles exploit psychological tendencies to influence behavior.
Behavioral Science
What is bounded rationality?
Group polarization is the tendency for group discussion to strengthen the dominant initial position of members. If individuals lean toward risk, the group becomes riskier; if cautious, more cautious.
Bounded rationality, proposed by Herbert Simon , suggests that human decision-making is limited by available information, cognitive capacity, and time . People "satisfice" (accept good-enough solutions) rather than optimize.
Stereotype threat, identified by Claude Steele , occurs when people perform worse because they are aware of a negative stereotype about their group . Example: women underperforming on math tests when gender stereotypes are activated.
Problem-focused coping directly addresses the stressor (making a plan, seeking information). Emotion-focused coping manages the emotional response (meditation, talking to friends). Both are described by Lazarus and Folkman .
Behavioral Science
What is a fixed-ratio (FR) reinforcement schedule?
Prosocial behavior is voluntary action intended to benefit others , including helping, sharing, donating, and cooperating. It is influenced by empathy, social norms, and situational factors.
System 2 engages when tasks require focused attention, complex reasoning, or self-control . Examples include doing math, making important financial decisions, or resisting temptation.
A fixed-ratio schedule provides reinforcement after a set number of responses . Example: a factory worker paid for every 10 items produced. It produces high rates of responding with brief pauses after reinforcement .
The Premack principle states that a more preferred activity can be used to reinforce a less preferred activity . Example: "You can play video games after you finish your homework." Also called "Grandma's rule."
Behavioral Science
What is stereotype threat?
The contact hypothesis proposes that intergroup contact under favorable conditions reduces prejudice . Conditions include equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation, and support from authorities.
Stereotype threat, identified by Claude Steele , occurs when people perform worse because they are aware of a negative stereotype about their group . Example: women underperforming on math tests when gender stereotypes are activated.
The Cannon-Bard theory proposes that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously , not sequentially. The thalamus sends signals to both the cortex (emotion) and the body (arousal) at the same time.
Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura , proposes that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling . It bridges behaviorism and cognitive psychology by including mental processes.
Behavioral Science
What is self-efficacy?
Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura , proposes that people learn through observation, imitation, and modeling . It bridges behaviorism and cognitive psychology by including mental processes.
The reciprocity principle states that people feel obligated to return favors . If someone does something for you, you feel compelled to reciprocate. Marketers use free samples to trigger this.
Self-efficacy, a concept by Bandura , is one's belief in their ability to succeed in a specific situation or task. High self-efficacy is linked to greater effort, persistence, and resilience.
Philip Zimbardo's (1971) experiment assigned college students to be "guards" or "prisoners" in a mock prison. Guards became abusive and prisoners became passive, demonstrating how situational roles powerfully shape behavior .