| Behavior modification | A set of operant conditioning techniques used to modify human behavior.
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| Classical conditioning | The learning process in which a previously neutral stimulus (conditioned stimulus) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus that reflexively elicits an unconditioned response. Eventually the conditioned stimulus itself will evoke the response.
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| Ego | According to Freud, the part of the personality that helps the person have realistic, rational interactions.
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| Electra (eh-LEK-tra) complex | According to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little girl for her father.
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| Erogenous (eh-RAH-jen-us) zones | Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.
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| Evolution | A theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations.
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| Evolutionary psychology | The study of psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by natural selection.
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| Extinction | The process of repeatedly pairing a behavior with an aversive stimulus, leading to a decline in the frequency of the behavior.
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| Id | According to Freud, the part of the personality containing the libido.
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| Libido (lih-BEE-doh) | In psychoanalytic theory, the term for the sex energy or sex drive.
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| Medicalization of sexuality | The process by which certain sexual behaviors or conditions are defined in terms of health and illness, and problematic experiences or practices are given medical treatment.
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| Natural selection | A process in nature resulting in greater rates of survival of those plants and animals that are adapted to their environment.
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| Oedipus (EH-di-pus) complex | According to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little boy for his mother.
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| Operant (OP-ur-unt) conditioning | The process of changing the frequency of a behavior (the operant) by following it with positive reinforcement (which will make the behavior more frequent in the future) or punishment (which should make the behavior less frequent in the future).
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| Psychoanalytic theory | A psychological theory originated by Sigmund Freud; it contains a basic assumption that part of human personality is unconscious.
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| Schema (SKEE-muh) | A general knowledge framework that a person has about a particular topic.
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| Self-efficacy | A sense of competence at performing an activity.
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| Sexual selection | Selection that results from differences in traits affecting access to mates.
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| Social exchange theory | A theory, based on the principle of reinforcement, that assumes that people will choose actions that maximize rewards and minimize costs.
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| Sociobiology | The application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behavior of animals, including humans.
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| Superego | According to Freud, the part of the personality containing the conscience.
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| Symbolic interaction theory | A theory based on the premise that human nature and the social order are products of communication among people.
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