avoidance conditioning

the establishment of behavior that prevents or postpones aversive stimulation. In a typical conditioning experiment, a buzzer is sounded, then a shock is applied to the subject (e.g., a dog) until it performs a particular act (e.g., jumping over a fence). After several trials, the dog jumps as soon as the buzzer sounds, avoiding the shock. Also called avoidance learning; avoidance training. See also escape conditioning.

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Psychology term of the day

February 22nd 2025

Machiavellian hypothesis

the hypothesis that the evolution of intelligence, especially in its social aspects, was largely dependent on behavior characterized by a desire and striving for power. According to the hypothesis, individuals who are more Machiavellian in their behavior are more likely to be successful in adaptation and thus more likely to spread their genes to future generations. [Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), Italian political theorist]