Social, Cognitive, and Neurological Factors in Learning
Chloe Ramirez
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Psychology study guide covers social and cognitive learning. In social learning, it examines observational learning, vicarious conditioning, and the impact of model characteristics. For cognitive learning, it explores insight learning, latent learning, and cognitive maps. The guide also provides exam tips, common question types, and practice questions covering these concepts.
#AP Psychology Study Guide: Social & Cognitive Learning
Hey there, future AP Psych superstar! Let's get these learning theories locked down. This guide is designed to make everything click, so you feel super confident for the exam tomorrow. Let's dive in!
#1. Social Learning Theory: Learning by Watching 👀
This section is HUGE for the exam! Expect multiple questions on observational learning and modeling.
# 1.1 Observational Learning & Vicarious Conditioning
- Observational learning: You learn by watching others. It's like getting a free preview of how to act without having to mess up yourself!
- Vicarious conditioning: Learning from the consequences others face. Think of it as learning by watching someone else’s experience.
- Reinforcement: If someone is praised for something, you're more likely to copy it.
- Punishment: If someone gets in trouble, you're less likely to do it.
Think of it like this: you're watching a movie. If the hero gets rewarded, you're like, "I want to be like that!" If the villain gets punished, you're like, "Nope, not doing that!"
- Model characteristics matter: We don't just copy anyone. We're more likely to imitate people we see as:
- Similar to us: Age, gender, shared interests, etc.
- Competent: Someone who’s good at what they do.
- Powerful: Someone with status or authority.
- Prestigious: Celebrities or role models.
Celebrity endorsements work because we see them as prestigious models!
# 1.2 Model Similarity and Behavior Copying
- Identification: The more we identify with someone, the more we copy them.
- Shared characteristics: Make a model more relatable. If they're like us, we think, "Hey, that could be me!"
- Gender: Kids often copy same-gender models more. Boys copy men, girls copy women.
- Culture: Shared cultural background makes a model's behavior seem more appropriate.
Key point: Social learning isn't just about mimic...
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