Learned Responses in AP Psychology

Definition

Learned responses refer to behaviors that are acquired through experience and the environment. These behaviors are not instinctual or innate, but rather developed over time.

Related terms

Operant Conditioning:

This term refers to learning through consequences or rewards. For example, if someone is consistently rewarded for aggressive behavior, they may continue to display it.

Social Learning Theory:

This theory suggests that individuals learn by observing others and imitating their behavior. If a person observes aggression being rewarded in their environment, they may be more likely to display it themselves.

Reinforcement:

In psychology, reinforcement refers to any event or stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again in the future. Positive reinforcement involves adding something positive after a behavior (e.g., giving praise for aggression), while negative reinforcement involves removing something negative after a behavior (e.g., stopping criticism when someone displays aggression).