🧠 TOEFL Speaking Task 3 – Psychology & Human Behavior (1–25)
1. Classical Conditioning
2. Operant Conditioning
3. Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement
4. Cognitive Dissonance
5. Selective Attention
6. Habituation
7. Observational Learning
8. Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
9. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
10. Short-term vs. Long-term Memory
⏳ To keep the message readable, I can continue 11–25 (Schema → Mirror Neurons) in the next part.
👉 Do you want me to continue now with the rest (11–25), or do you prefer me to deliver in chunks of 5–10 so it’s easier to study?
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Got it ✅ You want each answer to be:
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Around 150 words.
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Written in paragraph style (not broken by bullet points).
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Using collocations with two-word chunks (like mental effort, social pressure, emotional response).
I’ll rewrite the sample with that in mind. Here’s the first one (Classical Conditioning) as a model:
1. Classical Conditioning
The reading passage describes a concept known as classical conditioning, which is a learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes linked to a meaningful event. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that classical conditioning occurs because repeated exposure and paired association help organisms adapt to their environment. Firstly, classical conditioning shows that behavior changes due to learned connection and automatic response. Moreover, this process demonstrates how organisms develop conditioned reflex and predictable reaction through training. Secondly, he goes on to say that classical conditioning explains animal behavior because environmental cues and prior experience strongly influence future actions. In fact, classical conditioning is powerful because it includes survival instinct and behavioral adaptation that shape daily life. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of classical conditioning and how repeated practice with simple association can transform behavior and create long-lasting memory.
👉 Do you want me to expand all 25 psychology topics into this 150-word collocation-rich format, or should I first finish a set of 5 (1–5) so you can confirm the style?
You said:
ChatGPT said:
Perfect ✅ Thanks for clarifying. Below are Topics 11–25 (Schema → Mirror Neurons) in the 150-word collocation style, with two-word collocations throughout.
11. Schema Theory
The reading passage describes a concept known as schema theory, which explains how people organize knowledge into mental structures. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that schema theory works because mental framework and stored patterns guide human thought. Firstly, schema theory helps individuals interpret experience through prior knowledge and existing memory. Moreover, schema theory shows that people use mental template and organized category to process new ideas quickly. Secondly, he goes on to say that schema theory influences perception because cultural background and personal belief shape understanding. In fact, schema theory is significant because it includes knowledge structure and cognitive shortcut that reduce confusion. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of schema theory and how mental models with organized representation allow humans to predict outcomes and make faster judgments in daily situations.
12. Role of Emotions in Decision-Making
The reading passage describes a concept known as the role of emotions in decision-making, which emphasizes how feelings influence human choices. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that emotions matter because emotional response and personal mood affect judgment. Firstly, emotions guide decisions by shaping risk perception and reward evaluation. Moreover, emotions can change human behavior through stress reaction and happiness effect, leading to different outcomes. Secondly, he goes on to say that decisions are not purely logical because emotional bias and psychological state interfere with rational thought. In fact, emotions are essential because they include social connection and moral value that influence choices. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of the role of emotions in decision-making and how affective states with strong influence can drive decisions beyond logical reasoning.
13. Problem-Solving Strategies
The reading passage describes a concept known as problem-solving strategies, which are systematic approaches people use to overcome challenges. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that problem-solving works because logical method and mental effort are applied to difficult tasks. Firstly, problem-solving strategies help individuals find solutions through trial error and step analysis. Moreover, effective strategies improve efficiency by using clear procedure and structured planning. Secondly, he goes on to say that problem-solving is influenced by resource availability and time pressure, which shape outcomes. In fact, problem-solving is important because it includes creative thinking and rational choice that guide successful results. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of problem-solving strategies and how practical approach with organized structure enables people to face obstacles and generate effective answers.
14. Heuristics vs. Algorithms
The reading passage describes a concept known as heuristics versus algorithms, which are two different approaches to solving problems. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that heuristics and algorithms differ because quick shortcut and precise rule affect thinking differently. Firstly, heuristics save time by relying on mental shortcut and past experience. Moreover, algorithms guarantee accuracy by following logical sequence and detailed procedure. Secondly, he goes on to say that people often choose heuristics because limited resource and time constraint make strict rules harder to use. In fact, both methods are valuable because they include problem efficiency and solution accuracy in different contexts. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of heuristics and algorithms and how mental shortcut with structured rule can both guide human reasoning.
15. Groupthink
The reading passage describes a concept known as groupthink, which occurs when group members prioritize harmony over critical thinking. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that groupthink arises because social pressure and collective desire suppress individual judgment. Firstly, groupthink affects decisions by encouraging false agreement and reduced debate. Moreover, groupthink limits creativity through conformity bias and shared assumption. Secondly, he goes on to say that groupthink can be harmful because flawed decision and risky choice may result. In fact, groupthink is dangerous because it includes narrow perspective and weak analysis that reduce quality. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of groupthink and how social influence with peer pressure can distort rational decision-making in group settings.
16. Social Conformity
The reading passage describes a concept known as social conformity, which is the tendency of individuals to align behavior with group norms. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that conformity happens because peer pressure and social expectation drive human action. Firstly, conformity strengthens unity by promoting shared behavior and group identity. Moreover, conformity reduces conflict through common practice and collective agreement. Secondly, he goes on to say that conformity can be problematic because suppressed opinion and reduced individuality may result. In fact, conformity is significant because it includes cultural value and social influence in everyday life. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of social conformity and how external pressure with group demand can shape personal decisions.
17. Altruism
The reading passage describes a concept known as altruism, which refers to selfless behavior intended to benefit others. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that altruism occurs because social bond and moral duty motivate generous action. Firstly, altruism strengthens community by encouraging helpful behavior and mutual support. Moreover, altruism improves survival by fostering group cooperation and resource sharing. Secondly, he goes on to say that altruism may also provide hidden benefit because personal satisfaction and social recognition reward the giver. In fact, altruism is valuable because it includes human kindness and moral responsibility. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of altruism and how selfless action with social impact contributes to both personal fulfillment and group survival.
18. Bystander Effect
The reading passage describes a concept known as the bystander effect, which occurs when people are less likely to help in emergencies if others are present. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that the bystander effect arises because shared responsibility and social influence weaken individual action. Firstly, the effect reduces intervention by spreading accountability and lowering urgency. Moreover, it discourages assistance through group hesitation and peer observation. Secondly, he goes on to say that this effect highlights human behavior because fear judgment and uncertain reaction prevent action. In fact, the bystander effect is concerning because it includes social pressure and reduced empathy. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of the bystander effect and how group presence with divided responsibility can hinder quick help in emergencies.
19. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
The reading passage describes a concept known as Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is a motivational theory outlining five levels of human priorities. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that the hierarchy works because basic survival and personal growth shape motivation. Firstly, people must satisfy physiological need and safety requirement before moving higher. Moreover, belonging need and esteem value encourage social connection and self-respect. Secondly, he goes on to say that the top level is self-actualization because personal potential and creative expression define fulfillment. In fact, the hierarchy is useful because it includes human motivation and psychological growth. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and how basic requirement with higher aspiration guide behavior.
20. Classical vs. Operant Learning Differences
The reading passage describes a concept known as classical versus operant learning, which are two main types of conditioning. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that these learning styles differ because stimulus pairing and consequence control lead to separate outcomes. Firstly, classical learning occurs through repeated association and automatic response. Moreover, operant learning depends on reinforcement schedule and punishment effect. Secondly, he goes on to say that both methods explain human adaptation because environment factor and behavioral feedback influence action. In fact, these learning forms are significant because they include habit formation and behavior modification. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of classical and operant learning differences and how association process with consequence management shape learning.
21. Learned Helplessness
The reading passage describes a concept known as learned helplessness, which is the condition where repeated failure causes individuals to stop trying. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that helplessness develops because negative experience and repeated defeat lower confidence. Firstly, learned helplessness reduces effort through passive response and avoidance behavior. Moreover, it harms well-being by increasing stress level and emotional fatigue. Secondly, he goes on to say that helplessness can persist because cognitive belief and external attribution prevent recovery. In fact, this condition is harmful because it includes reduced motivation and limited resilience. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of learned helplessness and how repeated obstacle with perceived control loss influences behavior.
22. Procrastination Psychology
The reading passage describes a concept known as procrastination psychology, which studies why people delay important tasks. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that procrastination occurs because time preference and emotional avoidance drive postponement. Firstly, procrastination provides short relief through instant comfort and reduced stress. Moreover, it creates long harm by increasing workload and lowering performance. Secondly, he goes on to say that procrastination is influenced by personality factor and external distraction that shape behavior. In fact, procrastination is common because it includes habit pattern and motivational conflict. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of procrastination psychology and how emotional regulation with task management affect behavior.
23. Effects of Multitasking
The reading passage describes a concept known as the effects of multitasking, which explores how doing several tasks at once influences performance. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that multitasking is problematic because divided attention and mental overload reduce efficiency. Firstly, multitasking lowers productivity through frequent switching and cognitive fatigue. Moreover, it harms memory by causing shallow processing and weak retention. Secondly, he goes on to say that multitasking increases error because reduced focus and time loss occur. In fact, multitasking is risky because it includes performance decline and stress increase. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of the effects of multitasking and how divided focus with constant interruption weakens performance.
24. Role of Stress in Performance
The reading passage describes a concept known as the role of stress in performance, which examines how pressure can both help and hurt productivity. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that stress influences outcomes because physiological arousal and mental focus change effort. Firstly, mild stress enhances motivation by creating alert state and increased energy. Moreover, high stress reduces effectiveness through anxiety symptom and concentration loss. Secondly, he goes on to say that stress follows the Yerkes-Dodson law because moderate pressure and balanced tension produce best results. In fact, stress is important because it includes performance boost and performance decline depending on level. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of the role of stress in performance and how controlled pressure with balanced demand can support achievement.
25. Mirror Neurons
The reading passage describes a concept known as mirror neurons, which are brain cells that activate both when performing an action and when observing others. In the lecture, the professor delves deeper into this subject by explaining that mirror neurons function because brain activity and social cognition connect perception and action. Firstly, mirror neurons explain imitation behavior through motor resonance and observational learning. Moreover, they support empathy response by linking emotional understanding and shared feeling. Secondly, he goes on to say that mirror neurons help communication because gesture recognition and language development rely on them. In fact, these neurons are crucial because they include social connection and cognitive adaptation. So after listening, I now have a better understanding of mirror neurons and how brain mechanism with interpersonal link contribute to learning and empathy.