Apporaches key terms Flashcards
Empiricism
The Belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, it is generally categorised by the use of the scientific method in psychology
Introspection
The process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts and feelings
Scientific method
Refers to the use of the investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods
Behaviourist
People who believe that human behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning without the need to consider thoughts or feelings
Classical Conditioning
When a neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually on takes on the properties of this stimulus and is able to produce a conditioned response
Operant Conditioning
learning through reinforcement or punishment if a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence then that behaviour is more likely to occur again in the future
Punishment
involves the application of an unpleasant consequence following a behaviour with the result that the behaviour is less likely to occur again in the future
Reinforcement
A term used in psychology to refer to anything that strengthens a response and increases the likelihood that it will occur again in the future
Identification
is a form of influence where an individual adopts an attitude or behaviour as they want to be associated with a particular person or group
Imitation
the action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour
Mediational processes
refers to the internal mental processes that exist between environmental stimuli and the response made by an individual to those stimuli
Modelling
a form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour
Social Learning theory
Learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded
Vicarious reinforcement
Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour but through observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour
Cognitive
refers to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning
Cognitive neuroscience
an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions
Computer model
refers to the processes of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition
Inference/Inferring
means reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Schema
A cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information ion the brain, schemas help an individual to make sense of new information
Theoretic models
in cognitive psychology models are simplified usually pictorial representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence
Biological approach
view humans as biological organism and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning
Evolution
refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make-up of a particular population
Gene
A part of the chromosomes of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA
Genotype
the genetic make-up of an individual
Natural selection
The process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individuals reproductive success are passed on to the next generation so become widespread
Neurochemistry
the study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an individual, this is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment
Defence mechanisms
unconscious strategies that protect our conscious mind from anxiety - distort reality in a way in which we can cope
Psychoanalysis
a term used to describe the personality theory and therapy associated with Sigmund Freud
Psychodynamic
refers to any theory that emphasises change and development in the individual particularly those theories where the drive is a central concept in development
Unconscious
The part of the human mind that contains repressed ideas and memories as well as primitive desires and impulses that have never been allowed to enter the conscious mind
Conditions of worth
conditions imposed on an individuals behaviour and development that are considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others
Congruence
If a similarity exists between a persons ideal self and self-image a state of congruence exists - a difference represents a state of incongruence
Free will
The ability to act at one’s own discretion - to chose how to behave without being influenced by external forces
Hierarchy of needs
the motivational theory proposed by Abraham Maslow - often displayed as a pyramid
Humanistic
Refers to the belief that human beings are born with the desire to grow, create and to love
Self
our personal identity used to synonymously with the terms self-image and self-concept
Self-actualisation
the drive to realise ones true potential, or the final stage of the hierarchy of needs
