Anchoring Bias: Key Takeaways The anchoring bias causes people to use the first they learn as a reference point for making future judgments and decisions. This anchoring effect is highly prevalent across a wide range of situations–and it’s also very difficult to overcome. What Is the Anchoring Bias? The anchoring bias is a type of … Read more
An implicit personality theory is a theory that people form about the traits, characteristics, behaviors, and personalities of other people. When you meet someone new, you form an impression of them, but this first impression is based on very limited information. The impressions that you form are influenced by a variety of factors including due … Read more
Conformity is defined as the tendency to change behavior in or to match or align with the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of other people. It is often an attempt to blend in with others in a person’s social group. It is a type of social influence that compels people to behave in ways that are … Read more
Attachment styles are characteristic patterns for how people relate to others in close relationships. According to attachment theory, these styles are heavily influenced by early bonds with caregivers. Researchers have identified four distinct attachment styles: secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and fearful anxious attachment. In this article, learn more about the four main attachment … Read more
A schedule of reinforcement is a rule that dictates how and when reinforcement is delivered during operant conditioning training. These schedules outline when to present or remove a reinforcer based on how much time has elapsed or how many responses have occurred. Each of these schedules of reinforcement produces distinct patterns of responding. The type … Read more
A number of different psychology theories have emerged to explain various aspects of human thought and behavior. Some of these theories are more historical in nature and not supported by current research. In other cases, these theories still play an important role in our understanding of different aspects of psychology. In either case, learning more … Read more
Operant conditioning is a learning process in which the consequences of an action determine the likelihood that the behavior will occur again in the future. This type of learning by association involves the use of reinforcement or punishment to either increase or decrease the chances that a behavior will occur again. In this article, learn … Read more
Classical conditioning is a type of associative learning that takes place unconsciously. It works by associating one stimulus with something else that already leads to a response. After an association is formed, the new stimulus will start to produce the same response. The process was first described by a Russian physiologist named Ivan Pavlov. He … Read more
Personality psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding different aspects of human personality. The field of personality psychology seeks to understand what causes different personality traits. It also works to understand, diagnose, and treat problems with personality, which are known as personality disorders. What Is Personality? Personality is defined as the characteristic … Read more
Cognitive dissonance is discomfort or distress caused by conflicting beliefs, behaviors, feelings, ideas, or values. It is an uncomfortable psychological state that people experience when they have an inconsistency between how they think and how they act. This feeling of dissonance may be experienced as anxiety, stress, or discomfort. In order to relieve the discomfort … Read more