Basic principles of learning are always operating and always
influencing human behavior. This module discusses the two most fundamental
forms of learning -- classical (Pavlovian) and instrumental (operant)
conditioning. Through them, we respectively learn to associate 1) stimuli in
the environment, or 2) our own behaviors, with significant events, such as
rewards and punishments. The two types of learning have been intensively
studied because they have powerful effects on behavior, and because they
provide methods that allow scientists to analyze learning processes rigorously.
This module describes some of the most important things you need to know about
classical and instrumental conditioning, and it illustrates some of the many
ways they help us understand normal and disordered behavior in humans. The
module concludes by introducing the concept of observational learning, which is
a form of learning that is largely distinct from classical and operant
conditioning.
How to Use a Powerful Psychological Hack to Achieve Your Goals
DJ Khaled, the one-man internet meme, is known for warning his tens of millions of social media followers about a group of villains he calls “they.” “They don’t want you motivated.
A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals
Despite the popularity of New Year’s resolutions, current knowledge about them is limited. We investigated what resolutions people make when they are free to formulate them, whether different resolutions reach differing success rates, and whether it is possible to increase the likelihood of a resolution’s success by administering information and exercises on effective goal setting. Participants (N = 1066) from the general public were randomized into three groups: active control, some support, and extended support. The most popular resolutions regarded physical health, weight loss, and eating habits. At a one-year follow-up, 55% of responders considered themselves successful in sustaining their resolutions. Participants with approach-oriented goals were significantly more successful than those with avoidance-oriented goals (58.9% vs. 47.1%). The group that received some support was exclusively and significantly more successful compared to the other two. This study reveals that New Year’s resolutions can have lasting effects, even at a one-year follow-up.