Approaches Flashcards
Wundt’s Method of Introspection
Wundt and his coworkers would record their own conscious thoughts, with the aim of breaking down these thoughts into constituent parts.
All introspections were recorded under strictly controlled conditions using the same standardised instructions.
Behavioural Approach - Classical conditioning
Learning through association - Pavlov.
Revealed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell if that sound was repeatedly presented at the same time as they were given food.
Behavioural Approach - Operant Conditioning
Skinner suggested that learning is based on three types of consequences of behaviour:
Positive reinforcement: Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed.
Negative reinforcement: Carrying out a behaviour in order to avoid a consequence.
Punishment: An unpleasant consequence of behaviour.
SLT - Vicarious Reinforcement
Bandura proposed people learn though observation and imitation.
The learner may imitate a behaviour but only if that behaviour results in a reward rather than a punishment.
SLT - Mediational Processes
- Attention - the extent t which a behaviour is noticed.
- Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered.
- Motor Reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
- Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
Cognitive Approach - Computer models
One way to study internal processes is through the use of theoretical models.
The cognitive approach uses computer models, where the mind is compared to a computer by suggesting there are similarities in the way information is processed.
The concept of coding and storing information is similar in both brain and computer.
Cognitive Approach - The Role of a Schema
Schema’s are packages of information and ideas developed through experience.
Assimilation - Sorting new information into an already existing schema.
Accommodation - Sorting information into a new schema.
Biological Approach - Concordance rates in twins
MZ twins - 100% of genes are shared.
DZ twins - 50% of genes are shared.
Biological Approach - Geno and Phenotype
Genotype - genetic makeup
Phenotype - the way in which genes are expressed through physical, behavioural and psychological characteristics, such as eye colour.
Biological Approach - Evolution
Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection whereby any genetics that enhance an individuals survival will continue in future generations - naturally selected.
Psychodynamic Approach - The role of the unconscious
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Psychodynamic Approach - The structure of personality (Id, ego and superego)
Id - Operates on the pleasure principle as it is selfish and demands gratification.
Ego - Operates on the reality principle and is the mediator between the Id and Superego by employing defense mechanisms.
Superego - Operates on the morality principle as it represents the moral standards of a child’s parents and punishes the ego though guilt.
Psychodynamic Approach - Psychosexual stages
Oral (0-1 years) - focus of pleasure is the mouth, mothers breast can be the object of desire.
Anal (1-3 years) - focus of pleasure is in the anus. Child gains pleasure from withholding and expelling faeces.
Phallic (3-6 years) - focus of pleasure is in the genital area.
Latency - earlier conflicts are repressed.
Genital - sexual desires become conscious alongside the onset of puberty.
Humanistic Approach - Free will
The notion that humans can make choices and their behaviour/ thoughts are not determined by internal biological or external forces.
People are still affected by external and internal influences, but are also active agents who can determine their own development.
Humanistic Approach Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Self-actualisation - the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s potential.
Self-esteem
Love and belongingness
Safety and security
Physiological needs - food and water
Humanistic Approach - The self, congruence and conditions of worth
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Consequences of unresolved conflict in the psychosexual stages
Oral fixation - smoking, biting nails, sarcastic, critical.
Anal retentive - perfectionist, obsessive.
Anal expulsive - thoughtless, messy.
Genital - difficulty forming heterosexual relationships.
