associative learning

the process of acquiring new and enduring information via the formation of bonds or connections between elements. In different types of associationistic learning theories, these associated elements may be stimulus and response, mental representations of events, or elements in neural networks. Historically, the associationistic theories of Clark L. Hull and Kenneth W. Spence are contrasted with the nonassociative and cognitive theory of Edward C. Tolman. Compare nonassociative learning.

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Psychology term of the day

November 21st 2024

CAT

1. abbreviation for California Achievement Tests.

2. abbreviation for Children’s Apperception Test.

3. abbreviation for the British version of the Cognitive Abilities Test.

4. abbreviation for computer adaptive testing.

5. acronym for computerized axial tomography (see computed tomography).