PSYC 181 Introduction to Psychology | Unit 3 (2026) | 120+ Questions with Answers | Behaviorism, Operant Conditioning, Cognitive Therapy, Self-Determination

This expert-verified flashcard-style study guide for PSYC 181 – Introduction to Psychology contains over 120 detailed Q&A pairs aligned with Unit 3 of the 2026 curriculum. The material comprehensively explores the evolution of learning theory—from mechanistic views to modern cognitive-behavioral models—with a strong focus on motivation, conditioning, and personality development. Key areas covered include: Mechanistic and Early Learning Theory: Begins with Descartes' reflex arc and hydraulic model, comparing involuntary behavior to machines. Introduces Aristotle’s three souls (vegetative, sensitive, rational) and Descartes’ view of free will as originating in the soul (pineal gland). Classical & Operant Conditioning: Clear breakdown of Pavlovian conditioning (UCS, UCR, CS, CR), discrimination, generalization, and experimental neurosis. The guide then transitions to Thorndike’s Law of Effect and the Skinner Box, exploring reinforcement schedules (fixed, variable, ratio, interval), punishment strategies, and radical behaviorism (Skinner's belief that environment fully controls behavior). Applied Behavior Techniques: Includes systematic desensitization, flooding (Stamphl), reciprocal inhibition, and exposure hierarchy techniques. These tools are discussed in the context of Mary Cover Jones and Joseph Wolpe’s behavioral therapy contributions. Cognitive-Behavioral Theories: Covers Tolman’s purposive behaviorism, cognitive maps, latent learning, and Rotter’s social learning theory (behavioral potential = expectancy × valence). Concepts of locus of control and internal vs external motivation are elaborated with examples. Seligman & Learned Helplessness: Based on dog experiments, the guide explains how uncontrollable stressors lead to passivity, generalization, and emotional numbing—a core concept in understanding depression and motivation loss. Bandura's Self-Efficacy Theory: Describes modeling, triadic reciprocal determinism, and the therapist’s role in building efficacy beliefs. Practical applications for goal-setting and self-belief reinforcement are discussed. Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT): Introduces Albert Ellis’ ABC model (Activating event → Belief → Consequence), irrational beliefs (e.g., awfulizing, low frustration tolerance), and the 5-step REBT treatment model (assessment, disputing, shame enhancement, understanding, working through). Beck’s Cognitive Therapy: Features include automatic thoughts, schemas, and cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing, dichotomous thinking, labeling, and should statements. Therapeutic alliance and collaborative empiricism are highlighted as foundational. Self-Determination Theory (SDT): Advanced motivation theory emphasizing autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Discusses sub-theories like: Cognitive Evaluation Theory Organismic Integration Theory Causality Orientations Theory Basic Psychological Needs Theory Detailed breakdowns of external, introjected, identified, and integrated regulation help clarify the spectrum of extrinsic motivation. Who is this document for? Psychology undergraduates taking PSYC 181 or comparable intro psych courses Counseling, education, or social science students learning about behavioral and motivational frameworks Students preparing for psychology exams, including HESI, CLEP, or graduate entrance tests Individuals pursuing coaching, therapy, or applied behavioral analysis careers This study guide builds a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the science of learning and motivation. It provides a structured, digestible pathway to mastering foundational principles in psychology and behavioral change. Keywords: behaviorism, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement schedules, Thorndike, Skinner, Tolman, Bandura, Rotter, learned helplessness, REBT, Beck, cognitive distortions, self-efficacy, self-determination theory, intrinsic motivation, locus of control, PSYC 181