4: Approaches Key Terms

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context

Question 2

Science

Answer 2

a means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. the aim is to discover general laws.

Question 3

Introspection

Answer 3

the first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations.

Question 4

Behaviourist approach

Answer 4

a way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning

Question 5

Classical conditioning

Answer 5

learning by association. occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together. the neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that was first produced by the unlearned stimulus alone.

Question 6

Operant conditioning

Answer 6

a form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. possible consequences of behaviour include positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement and punishment

Question 7

Reinforcement

Answer 7

a consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. can be positive or negative.

Question 8

Social Learning Theory

Answer 8

a way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors

Question 9

Imitation

Answer 9

Copying the behaviour of others

Question 10

Identification

Answer 10

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Question 11

Modelling

Answer 11

from the observers perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role models perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Question 12

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 12

reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation.

Question 13

Mediational processes

Answer 13

Cognitive factors (i.e. thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Question 14

cognitive approach

Answer 14

The term ‘cognitive’ has come to mean ‘mental processes’, so this approach is focused on how our mental processes (e.g. thoughts, perceptions, attention) affect behaviour

Question 15

internal mental processes

Answer 15

‘Private’ operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response

Question 16

schema

Answer 16

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. They are developed from experience.

Question 17

inference

Answer 17

The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour.

Question 18

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 18

The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

Question 19

biological approach

Answer 19

A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function

Question 20

Genes

Answer 20

they make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (such as eyecolour or height) and psychological features (such as mental disorders or intelligence). Genes are transmitted from parents to offspring, i.e. inherited.

Question 21

biological structure

Answer 21

An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing

Question 22

neurochemistry

Answer 22

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulates psychological functioning

Question 23

genotype

Answer 23

The particular set of genes that a person possesses

Question 24

phenotype

Answer 24

The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment

Question 25

Evolution

Answer 25

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 26

psychodynamic approach

Answer 26

A perspective that describes the different forces (dynamics), most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience

Question 27

The unconscious

Answer 27

The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of our behaviour

Question 28

Id

Answer 28

entirely unconscious, the id is made up of selfish, aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification

Question 29

Ego

Answer 29

The “reality check“ that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego

Question 30

superego

Answer 30

The moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self: how we ought to be

Question 31

defence mechanisms

Answer 31

unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the super ego

Question 32

Psychosexual stages

Answer 32

Five developmental stages that all children pass through. At each stage there is a different conflict, the outcome of which determines future development.

Question 33

humanistic psychology approach

Answer 33

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-determination

Question 34

free will

Answer 34

The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces

Question 35

self actualisation

Answer 35

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential – becoming what you are capable of

Question 36

hierarchy of needs

Answer 36

A five levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic needs (such as hunger) must be satisfied before higher psychological needs (such as a esteem and self actualisation) can be achieved

Question 37

Self

Answer 37

The ideas and values that characterise ‘I’ and ‘me’ and includes perception and valuing of ‘what I am’ and ‘what I can do’

Question 38

Congruence

Answer 38

The aim of Rogerian therapy; when the self concept and ideal self are seem to broadly accord or match

Question 39

conditions of worth

Answer 39

when a parent place limits or boundaries on the love of their children; for instance, a parent saying to a child “I will only love you if… You study medicine“ or “if you split up with that boy“