Approaches

Question 1

Classical conditioning definition

Answer 1

Learning through association when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together

Question 2

Operant conditioning definition

Answer 2

Learning through reinforcement where behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.

Question 3

Schema definition

Answer 3

A unit of organised knowledge based on past experiences used to guide future behaviour and form expectations

Question 4

Inference definition

Answer 4

The process of going beyond immediate evidence to make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed

Question 5

Theoretical models definition (cognitive appr.)

Answer 5

Representation of mental processes in a simple form that can be described in a tangible form for research and understanding

Question 6

Computer model definition (cognitive appr)

Answer 6

A representation of people as information processors with input, storage and output processes.

Question 7

Serial processing definition (cognitive)

Answer 7

When information is dealt with one at a time, one after the other

Question 8

Parallel processing definition (cognitive)

Answer 8

When 2 or more pieces of information are dealt with simultaneously

Question 9

Describe the structure of the personality according to the psychodynamic approach (4 marks)

Answer 9

• made up of 3 parts: id, superego and ego
• the id focuses on the self, it’s irrational and emotional and deals with feelings and needs. Formed from birth - 18 months, unconscious part of mind
• the ego is rational and balances the superego and id, referred to as ‘morality principle’, formed between 18 months to 3 years, conscious part of mind
• superego aka morality principle acts as the conscience or moral guide, based on societal and parental values, formed between 3-6 years (phallic stage), unconscious part of mind
• experience/conflicts in childhood shape the development of the 3 parts affecting how a person behaves

Question 10

Outline the information processing approach (2 marks)

Answer 10

• refers to the mind like a computer
• describes how we process information: sensory input, decision making, storage processes, output, inputting of data from the environment
• has a limited capacity

Question 11

Define Maslow’s self-actualisation (humanistic)

Answer 11

• achieved by people who have fulfilled their potential
• ‘becoming everything one is capable of becoming’

Question 12

Define Roger’s unconditional positive and negative regard

Answer 12

unconditional positive = acceptance and love the person for what they are regardless of any mistake/behaviour (loved unconditionally)
unconditional negative = being rejected and unloved regardless of behaviour

Question 13

Define Roger’s conditional negative and positive regard

Answer 13

conditional positive = praise, approval depend on the person behaving in ways approved by others
conditional negative = being rejected when their behaviour doesn’t meet the approval of others

Question 14

What did Rogers propose congruence is?

Answer 14

When a person’s ideal self meets the perceived self. Incongruency is the gap between the ideal self and the perceived self (client-centred therapy aims to close this gap to reach congruency)

Question 15

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (bottom to top)

Answer 15

1. physiological needs (food, drink, oxygen)
2. safety needs (shelter)
3. love and belongingness
4. esteem needs (self-esteem, self-respect)
5. cognitive needs (knowledge and understanding)
6. aesthetic needs (beauty, symmetry, nature)
7. self-actualisation (becoming everything one is capable of becoming)

Question 16

Extinction definition

Answer 16

When repeated presentation without the UCS will eventually lead to the CR no longer occurring