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nonverbal reinforcement

any form of nonverbal communication, such as a gesture, facial expression, or body movement, that increases the frequency of the behavior that immediately precedes it. For example, a parent’s smile following a desired response from a child, such as saying “thank you,” reinforces the child’s behavior. See also social reinforcement.

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Psychology term of the day

February 2nd 2025

learning

learning

n. the acquisition of novel information, behaviors, or abilities after practice, observation, or other experiences, as evidenced by change in behavior, knowledge, or brain function. Learning involves consciously or nonconsciously attending to relevant aspects of incoming information, mentally organizing the information into a coherent cognitive representation, and integrating it with relevant existing knowledge activated from long-term memory.