Observational learning, also known as social learning or modeling, is a type of learning that occurs through observing and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and outcomes of others. Proposed by psychologist Albert Bandura as part of his social learning theory, observational learning emphasizes the importance of social influences in shaping behavior and cognition. Key concepts of…

Motivation crowding theory, also known as the crowding-out effect or the overjustification effect, is a psychological theory that suggests external incentives such as rewards or punishments can undermine intrinsic motivation. Proposed by psychologists Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, motivation crowding theory posits that when individuals are offered external rewards for engaging in activities they intrinsically…

The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) is a dual-process theory of persuasion developed by Richard E. Petty and John T. Cacioppo in the 1980s. It proposes that there are two distinct routes through which persuasive messages can lead to attitude change: the central route and the peripheral route. The route individuals take depends on their level…

Drive theory, also known as the drive-reduction theory, is a psychological theory proposed by Clark Hull in the 1940s. It suggests that biological needs create internal states of tension or arousal called drives, which motivate individuals to engage in behaviors that will reduce or satisfy these needs and restore homeostasis or equilibrium. Key concepts of…

Cognitive dissonance theory, proposed by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1957, suggests that individuals experience psychological discomfort, or dissonance, when they hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. This discomfort motivates them to reduce the inconsistency and restore cognitive harmony. Key concepts of cognitive dissonance theory include: Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable feeling of tension…

Attribution theory is a social psychological framework that focuses on how individuals interpret and explain the causes of behavior, events, and outcomes. It explores the cognitive processes involved in making attributions, or judgments about the reasons behind observed phenomena. Developed by Fritz Heider and further elaborated by Harold Kelley and others, attribution theory helps understand…

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Eric Berne in the mid-20th century. It offers a framework for understanding human personality, communication patterns, and interpersonal dynamics. TA is based on the idea that individuals are shaped by their early life experiences and social interactions, and it focuses on identifying and…

Structuralism was a school of psychology developed in the late 19th century by thinkers such as Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener. It aimed to analyze the structure of the human mind by breaking down mental experiences into their basic components or elements. Structuralists believed that by understanding these elemental components, they could gain insight into…

Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is based on the premise that unconscious conflicts, drives, and desires influence behavior and mental processes. Freud’s work laid the foundation for the field of psychoanalysis and significantly influenced modern psychology and psychiatry. Key…

Phenomenological psychology is a psychological approach that focuses on understanding and interpreting the subjective experiences of individuals as they occur in the present moment. It emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the overly scientific and reductionistic approaches of behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Phenomenological psychology emphasizes the importance of exploring the lived experience…