Classical Conditioning
Classical Conditioning Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Explain how classical conditioning occurs Summarize the processes of acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination Does the name Ivan Pavlov ring a bell? Even if you are new to the study of psychology, chances are that you have heard of Pavlov […]
What Is Learning?
What Is Learning? Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Explain how learned behaviors are different from instincts and reflexes Define learning Recognize and define three basic forms of learning—classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning Birds build nests and migrate as winter approaches. Infants suckle for nourishment. Dogs […]
Gestalt Principles of Perception
Gestalt Principles of Perception Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Explain the figure-ground relationship Define Gestalt principles of grouping Describe how perceptual set is influenced by an individual’s characteristics and mental state In the early part of the 20th century, Max Wertheimer published a paper demonstrating that individuals […]
The Other Senses
The Other Senses Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe the basic functions of the chemical senses Explain the basic functions of the somatosensory, nociceptive, and thermoceptive sensory systems Describe the basic functions of the vestibular, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic sensory systems Vision and hearing have received an incredible […]
Hearing
Hearing Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe the basic anatomy and function of the auditory system Explain how we encode and perceive pitch Discuss how we localize sound Our auditory system converts pressure waves into meaningful sounds. This translates into our ability to hear the sounds of […]
Vision
Vision Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe the basic anatomy of the visual system Discuss how rods and cones contribute to different aspects of vision Describe how monocular and binocular cues are used in the perception of depth The visual system constructs a mental representation of the […]
Waves and Wavelengths
Waves and Wavelengths Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe important physical features of wave forms Show how physical properties of light waves are associated with perceptual experience Show how physical properties of sound waves are associated with perceptual experience Visual and auditory stimuli both occur in the […]
Sensation versus Perception
Sensation versus Perception Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Distinguish between sensation and perception Describe the concepts of absolute threshold and difference threshold Discuss the roles attention, motivation, and sensory adaptation play in perception Sensation What does it mean to sense something? Sensory receptors are specialized neurons […]
Other States of Consciousness
Other States of Consciousness Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Define hypnosis and meditation Understand the similarities and differences of hypnosis and meditation Our states of consciousness change as we move from wakefulness to sleep. We also alter our consciousness through the use of various psychoactive drugs. This […]
Substance Use and Abuse
Substance Use and Abuse Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: Describe the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders Identify the neurotransmitter systems impacted by various categories of drugs Describe how different categories of drugs affect behavior and experience While we all experience altered states of consciousness in the […]
