approaches Flashcards
what are the 7 approaches in psychology?
-Behaviourist
-SLT (Social Learning Theory)
-Cognitive
-Biological
-Biopsychology
-Psychodynamic
-Humanistic
In the behaviourist approach what are the 2 types of conditioning?
-Classical conditioning
-Operant conditioning
Define classical conditioning
learning through association
define operant conditioning
learning through reinforcement
What is the classical conditioning formula?
UCS = UCR
UCS + NS = UCR
CS = CR
UCS = unconditioned stimulus
UCR = unconditioned response
NS = neutral stimulus
CS = conditioned stimulus
CR = conditioned response
what are the 3 parts of operant conditioning?
-Positive reinforcement
-Negative reinforcement
-Punishment
define positive reinforcement
increases the likelihood of a behaviour occurring again
e.g a teacher rewarding a student with a star or tick on work
define negative reinforcement
increases the likelihood of a behaviour occurring , takes an unpleasant stimulus away
e.g taking away a curfew or detracting a detention
define punishment
decreases the likelihood of a behaviour occurring again
e.g teacher telling off a pupil for disruptive behaviour
what are the 2 main psychologists in the behaviourist approach?
-Pavlov (dogs-classical conditioning)
-Skinner (rats-operant conditioning)
AO3 of Behaviourist approach = well-controlled research
-Strength
-observable behaviour
-highly controlled lab setting
EVs removed by breaking down behaviour into basic stimulus-response units
-Use skinner as example- clearly demonstrated reinforcement + animals
-Behaviourist experiments = scientific credibility
A03 of behaviourist approach = Counterpoint of well-controlled research
-Oversimplified learning process
-Ignored important influences on learning
-SLT and Cognitive = mental processes in learning
-suggests learning = more complex than observable behav alone
A03 of behaviourist approach = real-world application
-Strength
-operant conditioning = basis of TOKEN ECONOMY SYSTEMS (e.g. prisons/psychiatric wards)
-Work by rewarding behaviour with tokens = exchanged for privileges
-classical conditioning applied to treatment of phobias
-widespread application = increases value of approach
A03 of behavioural approach = Environmental determinism
-limitation
-sees all behaviour = conditioned by past conditioning experiences
-Our past experiences = determine the outcome of our behaviour, not our choice
-IGNORES free will
-IGNORES conscious decision-making processes on behaviour
Define SLT
People learn through experience, OBSERVATION and IMITATION
Define vicarious reinforcement (SLT)
Observing someone else being reinforced for their behaviour
Occurs indirectly
What are the 4 mediational processes (SLT)?
ARMM
Attention: The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
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 (often determined by reward or punishment)
Who is the key psychologist in SLT?
Bandura
AO3 of SLT = cognitive factors
-Strength
-More comprehensive account of learning than proposed by the behaviourist approach
A03 of SLT = Counterpoint of cog factors
-limitation
-Underestimates influence of bio, SLT involves mirror neurons in brain
AO3 of SLT = Real-world application
-Strength
-SLT can account for development of cultural differences e.g in gender role
Define cognitive approach
The study of internal mental processes
Define Schema
A framework of mental beliefs that are derived from experience
What are theoretical and computer models in cog approach?
-Information processing approach
-Mind is like computer = applied to AI
Define cog neuroscience
Scientific study of how brain structures affect mental processes
Name a brain imaging technique used in cog neuroscience
fMRI
A03 cog approach = scientific methods
-Strength
-Lab studies = reliable, objective data
-cog neuroscience = scientific
A03 cog approach = Counterpoint of scientific methods
-Limitation
-Use of inference + artificial stimuli = low external validity
A03 cog approach = Machine reductionism
-Limitation
-Computer analogy = too simple
-ignores influence of emotion, e.g. effect of anxiety on eyewitness testimony
Define biological approach
-Everything psychological is at 1st biological
-Mind and body = 1 of same
-Innate , pre-determined
Define biological approach
-Everything psychological is at 1st biological
-Mind and body = 1 of same
-Innate , pre-determined
Explain neurochemical basis of behaviour
-Thoughts + behaviours = depend on chemicals
e.g. neurotrasnmitters = serotonin
Explain genetic basis of behaviour
-Concordance between MZ and DZ twins shows genetic basis of psychological characteristics
Define genotype
The particular set of genes a person possesses
Define phenotype
Genotype + environment
Define evolution
The changes in inherited characteristics in a bio pop over successive generations
Explain evolution and behaviour
-Natural selection
-Survival rate
-Survival of fittest
-Reproductive success
A03 of bio approach = real-world application
-Strength
-Understanding biochemical processes = associated with development of psychoactive drugs
A03 of bio approach = Counterpoint of real-world application
-Limitation
-Antidepressants = do not work for everyone (Cipriani et al)
A03 of bio approach = Bio determinism
-Limitation
-Sees human behaviour as governed by internal genetically-determined factors
-Oversimplification
A03 of bio approach = Bio determinism
-Limitation
-Sees human behaviour as governed by internal genetically-determined factors
-Oversimplification
Define bio-psych approach
Two main physiological systems that regulate behaviour; The nervous system + Endocrine system
Define NS system
A specialised network of cells, fast-acting and electrical (and chemical) internal communication system
Define CNS
-Central nervous system
-Brain = divided into hemispheres, cerebral cortex (outer layer)- 3mm thick
-Spinal Cord = connects brain to PNS, reflexes
What 2 parts make up the CNS?
-Brain
-Spinal Cord
Define PNS (peripheral NS)
ANS: governs vital functions
SNS: Muscle movement + sensory info
How are hormones carried around the body?
Via bloodstream
Define psychodynamic approach
Behaviour = determined by unconscious = cannot control
Define ‘role of the unconscious’
conscious mind = ‘tip of iceberg’
How parts to the personality are there?
-ID
-Ego
-Superego
Define ID
-primitive part
-pleasure principle
-immediate gratification
Define Ego
-reality principle
-protected by defense mechanisms (repression, denial, displacement)
Define Superego
-morality principle
-sense of right + wrong
-formed at age 5
What are the 5 psychosexual stages of development?
-Oral
-Age
-Phallic
-Latency
-Genital
How do we remember the 5 psychosexual stages of development?
-Old
-Age
-Pensioners
-Love
-Guinness
A03 of psycho approach- Real-world application
-Strength
-New form of therapy (psychoanalysis), forerunner to talking therapies
A03 of psycho approach- Counterpoint of real-world application
-Limitation
-Not suitable for all mental disorders = Schizophrenia
A03 of psycho approach- Untestable concepts
-Limitation
-Much of theory = falsifiable
-Based of Case studies (Little Hans)
-Pseudoscientific
Define humanistic approach
-People are active agents who are self-determined
-Free will
-3rd force in psychology
Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
5 levels;
5) Top = self-actualisation
4) self-esteem
3) love and belongingness
2) safety and security
1) Bottom = physiological
Define self-actualisation
An innate tendency to want to reach your full potential, subjective
Define congruence
When the ideal self matches your self-concept
Define conditions of worth
‘I will only love you if …’
A03 of humanistic approach = not reductionist
Emphasis placed on whole person = holism
A03 of humanistic approach = Counterpoint of not reductionist
-Limitation
-Concepts cannot be observed/ measured = approach lacks empirical evidence
A03 of humanistic approach = positive approach
-Strength
-Optimistic approach that sees people as incontrol
A03 of humanistic approach = western bias
-Limitation
-Associated with individualism not community
