Learned Associations in AP Psychology

Definition

Learned associations refer to connections made between stimuli or behaviors based on repeated experiences. These associations can be positive (rewarding) or negative (punishing), influencing our attitudes, emotions, beliefs, and learned responses.

Related terms

Classical Conditioning:

This type of learning involves associating two stimuli together so that one stimulus eventually evokes the same response as the other.

Operant Conditioning:

This type of learning involves forming associations between behaviors and their consequences (rewards or punishments), influencing the likelihood of those behaviors occurring again in the future.

Observational Learning:

Also known as social learning or modeling, this type of learning occurs by observing others' behavior and its consequences without direct personal experience.