Peak shift is a phenomenon in behavioral psychology where the peak of a response curve shifts away from an inhibited stimulus towards a more exaggerated version of the stimulus that elicits a response. This effect highlights how discrimination learning can lead to preferences for stimuli that are more extreme than those encountered during training.

Peak Shift

Peak shift

Behavioral psychology, also known as behaviorism, focuses on the study of observable behaviors and the ways in which they are learned and reinforced through interactions with the environment. It emphasizes the role of conditioning processes, such as classical and operant conditioning, in shaping behavior, often downplaying the influence of internal states or mental processes.

behavioral psychology

response curve

inhibited stimulus

exaggerated version of the stimulus

Discrimination learning is a process in which individuals learn to respond differently to distinct stimuli, enabling them to distinguish between similar but non-identical cues. This ability is crucial for adaptive behavior, as it helps organisms make decisions based on specific environmental conditions and past experiences.

discrimination learning

preferences for stimuli

Extreme stimuli

Stimulus response refers to the behavioral process where an organism reacts to a specific external stimulus, often as a result of learned or innate mechanisms. This concept is foundational in understanding how organisms adapt to their environment and is central to fields like psychology, biology, and neuroscience.

Stimulus Response

Behavioral response refers to the actions or reactions of individuals or groups in response to external or internal stimuli, often influenced by psychological, social, and environmental factors. Understanding these responses is crucial in fields like psychology, marketing, and public policy to predict and influence behavior effectively.

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