Injunctive norms relate to societal expectations regarding which behaviors in a group are accepted and which are frowned upon. These norms impact moral choices, conformity, and self-regulation in the field of psychology. Individuals are motivated to comply with injunctive norms to obtain social acceptance, or to sidestep the costs associated with social rejection. The comprehension […]
Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for solitary activities, quiet reflection, and lower levels of social stimulation. Introverts tend to feel energized by time alone and may find prolonged social interaction draining, in contrast to extraverts who thrive on social engagement. Introduced as a concept by Carl Jung and later incorporated into […]
Impression management refers to the conscious or unconscious process by which individuals attempt to influence the perceptions others form of them. It involves regulating one’s behavior, appearance, and communication to project a desired image in social interactions. Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory describes social life as a performance where people play roles for different audiences. In […]
An implicit behavior is an action or reaction that is automatic and done without intention and without conscious awareness. Such actions come from attitudes, memories, or learned associations that are not recognized or overtly remembered, but that still affect thinking and judgment. Psychologists study implicit behaviors to uncover and confirm biases and preferences. Implicit behaviors […]
In psychology, intelligence describes the capabilities of learning, reasoning, problem solving, and adapting to different circumstances. This comprises both the mental and practical dimensions of skills such as memory, understanding, problem solving, and imagination. The study of psychology examines theories of intelligence such as Gardner’s multiple intelligences and Spearman’s general intelligence. The use of intelligence […]
Within the discipline of psychology, identity foreclosure is defined as the phenomenon in which individuals adopt an identity and set of values without prior exploration of alternatives. More specifically, foreclosure occurs in adolescence, when individuals make an earlier than average commitment to roles, values, and goals that are primarily determined by parents and social structures. […]
Insight learning has to do with solving a problem by coming up with a solution instead of through trial and error. This form of problem-solving was demonstrated by Wolfgang Köhler with chimpanzees. In one study, a chimp named Sultan, with a banana out of reach, was able to ‘see’ the solution by combining two sticks […]
Behavior that comes from intrinsic motivations and internal reasoning, as well as self-interest, personal satisfaction, and self-interest, is termed as intrinsic behavior. Of particular interest to psychologists is intrinsic motivation as defined by self-determined persons. People enjoy and derive satisfaction, value, or find meaning in activities and actions that bring joy or are worthwhile and […]
Inhibition describes the functions which control and curtail one’s impulses, thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is crucial in self-regulation and allows a person to pause and consider their actions, ignore distracting stimuli, and act according to an individual’s objectives or socially acceptable behavior. In cognitive psychology, inhibiting control is the deletion of irrelevant information in […]
Innate describes traits that an individual is born with and does not learn or experience anything for. Within psychology, bearing in mind the concept of innateness is pivotal with respect to the cognition and behavior of a human and its growth. Innate traits are primarily influenced by biological and hereditary aspects that govern an individual’s […]