Introduction
Semantic memory, positive reinforcement, and classical conditioning learning are the three concepts I learned in psychology class. Each of these concepts plays an important role in psychology for a variety of reasons. Classical conditioning is important because it assists people in understanding how they learn and remember certain occurrences. Semantic memory is important because it helps individuals to better comprehend the meaning of words and concepts. Finally, positive reinforcement is important because it aids in embracing fast learning due by introducing motivation factors. Positive reinforcement, classical conditioning learning, and semantic memory are the three essential concepts in understanding how the human mind works.
Semantic Memory
Semantic memory is a sort of long-term memory that holds knowledge about the outside world, including ideas and facts. This type of memory is unlike procedural memory, which stores information about how to perform certain tasks. The capacity of semantic memory is thought to be limitless, as humans can always learn new facts and concepts. Semantic memories are usually accessed unconsciously; individuals typically do not have to put much effort into retrieving them. However, unfocused or unorganized semantic memories can make it difficult to retrieve specific information when we need it.
Concerning my everyday behavior, I get up early, usually around 4 or 5 a.m., and start my day with some quiet time to meditate and reflect on my goals. From there, I go for a run or head to the gym for a workout. After showering and getting dressed, I sit down at my computer and start writing motivational articles. I try to keep my writing upbeat and inspiring while also providing readers with helpful tips and information. I devote a couple of hours each day to promoting my articles across social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I also respond to comments left by readers on my blog and website.
In my motivational writings, semantic memory helps me understand how certain words and phrases affect readers on a subconscious level. By understanding the different connotations and implications of certain words, I create more powerful and persuasive pieces that evoke specific emotions in readers. For example, by using emotionally charged words like “terrorist” or “freedom,” I influence readers to feel a certain way about an issue without even realizing it. Similarly, by using concrete and specific language, I aid readers in visualizing the scenes I am describing, which can add to the emotional power of the writing.
Classical Conditioning Learning
Classical conditioning is a type of learning that occurs when an animal or person learns to associate a particular stimulus with a particular response. For instance, if a dog starts to connect the sound of a bell with the food’s arrival, it will soon begin to salivate anytime it hears the bell’s sound. Classical conditioning is basically a form of learning by association. In classical conditioning, there are two types of elements involved: the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the conditioned response (CR). In behavioral psychology, the term CS is used to describe a specific stimulus that causes a conditioned response, whereas CR defines an automatic response to a specific stimulus. In summary, the CS and CR form what is known as a conditioned reflex.
Every evening, I go for a run, and this forms my everyday behavior. This helps me to finish the day and clear my brain before bed. I usually play some music or audiobooks to keep myself entertained, and I always make sure to hydrate well before and after the run. I find that this routine assists me in sleeping better and makes me feel more energetic in the morning. It is also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, especially if I have been sitting down or studying throughout.
The Classical conditioning concept applies to going for evening runs because it aids in establishing a set routine. When I go for an evening run, my body prepares itself for the activity, and I become conditioned to running at that time. This helps me stick to a regular running schedule and see fitness results over time. Additionally, evening runs assist clear my mind after a long day and give me some needed private time to reflect on my day. Similarly, the stimulus has been the sight of my running shoes, and the response has been the feeling of excitement I experience in anticipation of my run. The reason classical conditioning is relevant to going for evening runs is that it helps me to form positive associations with running. As a result, I find myself looking forward to running and thus sticking with evening jogs in the long term.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a type of behavioral modification technique that rewards a behavior in order to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated. It is based on the principle that people are more likely to do something if they are rewarded for doing it. Basically, positive reinforcement is a way to encourage good behavior by giving people something they enjoy (such as praise, attention, or a tangible reward) after they do something expected of them.
Regarding my everyday behavior, I coach my younger sister in mathematics. We go over whatever lesson she is stuck on and practice different types of problems so she can be better prepared for her tests. The learning normally starts from 8 pm to 10 pm, after freshening from my evening runs. I coach her every day because she only failed in Mathematics, and I want to help her improve her overall grade. I am excellent at math; therefore, I figured I could use my skills to help her out. Additionally, teaching her mathematics is a fun way for us to bond and spend time together as siblings.
Positive reinforcement is a key concept in coaching my sister in mathematics. By rewarding her for correct answers or behaviors such as paying attention throughout the session, I motivate her to learn faster and retain more information. This is because she associates the positive reinforcement with the desired behavior or task, and so she is more likely to repeat it in order to receive the reward again. Additionally, positive reinforcement leads to a feeling of competence and satisfaction in her, which further encourages them to continue learning. Ultimately, using positive reinforcement effectively can greatly enhance student motivation and learning outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, semantic memory, classical conditioning learning, and positive reinforcement are some of the concepts that I have learned and been able to put into practice in a real-life situation. Semantic memory is important for writers because it allows them to remember the meaning of words and how they are used. This can assist with word choice, finding the right word to express an idea, and avoiding repetition. Likewise, classical conditioning learning reinforces evening runs by associating running with positive feelings, such as the pleasure of completing a task and stress relief after a long day of work. Conversely, positive reinforcement is a vital tool in increasing the speed of learning. By providing immediate rewards for correct or desired responses, learners are motivated to participate more in the learning process. This results in faster mastery of the material and better retention of information.
Reference
Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W., & Lovett, M. (2020). Psychology 2e.