Learning and Cognitive Mechanisms
A consequence that strengthens a behavior because it removes something unpleasant.
Negative reinforcement
This neurotransmitter is linked to learning and memory and was manipulated using scopolamine in Antonova et al. (2011).
Acetylcholine
Seeking out information that supports one's preexisting beliefs.
Confirmation bias
The psychological and cultural changes resulting from contact between cultures.
Acculturation
The hormone strongly associated with bonding, trust, and attachment.
oxytocin
The automatic, intuitive system responsible for quick judgments, but is prone to bias
System 1 Thinking
The brain region responsible for memory consolidation and spatial navigation.
Hippocampus (localization of function)
A culture-specific research approach that focuses on behaviors within a single cultural context.
Emic approach
The process of taking on norms and behaviors of a host culture while retaining aspects of one’s original culture.
Integration (Berry's Acculturation Model)
The neurotransmitter involved in the reward and pleasure pathway in romantic attraction.
Dopamine
Mental structures that organize knowledge and guide information processing.
Schemas
The component of Working Memory responsible for visual and spatial processing.
Visuospatial sketchpad
The tendency for initial impressions to shape perceptions of unrelated traits.
Halo effect (Cognitive Bias)
The sub-process of SIT where individuals emphasize differences between groups.
Social comparison
One of Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” involving sarcasm, eye-rolling, and mocking behavior.
Contempt
According to conditioning, this process occurs when a conditioned response begins to disappear.
Extinction
A memory technique that pairs images with a mental map to increase recall.
Method of loci (Memory Palace)
Repeated exposure to a person increases perceived attractiveness and likability.
Mere-exposure effect
A persuasion method where agreeing to a small request increases compliance with a larger one.
Foot-in-the-door technique
A model proposing that investment, satisfaction, and alternatives predict relationship commitment.
Rusbult’s Investment Model of Commitment
When existing schemas modify new information to fit previous beliefs rather than altering the schema itself.
Assimilation (Schema theory)
The theory suggests that using both verbal and visual information improves learning and retention.
Dual-coding theory
Behavior motivated by trying to fit into social norms and be accepted by group members.
Normative social influence (conformity)
A cognitive explanation of group behavior stating people derive self-esteem from group success.
Social identity theory’s positive distinctiveness
Gottman’s framework explaining how healthy relationships maintain trust and commitment.
The Sound Relationship House Theory