Glossary I

Glossary I

Instrumental bias please see Instrumentation.

Instrumental conditioning refers to the case whereby behaviors that people freely choose to perform increase or decrease in frequency, depending on whether they are followed by positive reinforcement or punishment ; conditioning in which a subject learns to make a response that leads to a reward or prevents a punishment; in contrast to classical conditioning, no eliciting stimulus is presented

Instrumental decay is a psychological concept that refers to the decline in behavior that occurs when the reinforcement that previously maintained the behavior is no longer present. This decay occurs over time and can result in a complete cessation of the behavior.

Instrumental motivation is defined as Interest in learning a second language for utilitarian purposes such as job advancement.

Instrumental orientation refers to the characteristic of Kohlberg’s Stage 2, in which moral reasoning is based on the aim of looking out for one’s own needs

Instrumental reminiscence is defined as reminiscence that emphasizes past accomplishments, past efforts to overcome difficulties, and the use of past experiences to approach current difficulties.

Instrumental role refers to a a social prescription, often directed toward males, that one should be dominant, independent, assertive, competitive, and goal-oriented

Instrumental style is a term in Path–Goal Theory, a leadership style in which the leader plans and organizes the activities of employees.