Approaches Flashcards
Define systematic
Using a fixed or controlled method
Define objectivity
The absence of bias in research
Who is Wundt and what did he study?
The father os psychology studied the mind and behaviour
Where and when did he open his lab?
In leipzig Germany in 1870
What experimental method did Wundt use?
Introspection studying thought and feelings
What is the process of introspection ?
1) ppts are trained to report conscious experiences as objectively as possible
2)ppts would be asked to focus on a sensory object,often a ticking metronome
3)ppts would systematically report their experiences of the object by breaking their thoughts into separate elements, ppts would focus inward and report sensations, feelings and images
Is wundts work scientific ? AO3
Wundts work was highly scientific because of the controlled experiments, large samples sixes and systematic approach
Why are wundts introspective methods considered subjective ?
Introspection is subjective and not truly scientific as ppts can’t be relied on to accurately report their mental states as self reports may be biased or influenced by demand characteristics
Where is Wundts techniques used now?
Introspection is used in therapy
Why has Wundts use of inference been criticised?
Inferences are assumptions so they could be mistaken, behaviourists reject the study of internal mental sates as they only study observable behaviour
Who did Wundts research influence?
Influenced cognitive psychologists
What do behaviourists argue in the learning theory? Who were the leading theorists
Behaviour is learnt through experiences and and interactions with the environment.
Pavlov (classical conditioning) and skinner (operant conditioning ) were leading theorists
What did Pavlov research and what were the procedures of the study?
Used 2 types of stimuli
A neutral stimulus that initially didn’t produce a significant response
Unconditioned stimulus (food) that naturally triggered a reflexive response in dogs (salivation)
Procedure: paired the ns with us over several trails the ns was presented just before the unconditional stimulus Pavlov then recorded the dogs salivary response
What were the findings of pavlov study?
Pavlov observed that the dogs began to salivate not only in response to the food (ucs) but also in response to the (ns) even when the food wasn’t presented this indicted that the dogs had learned to associate the neutral stimulus with food
What is classical conditioning ?
Learning through association
What is operant conditioning?
Learning through consequences positive and negative reinforcement
What did behaviourists argue?
Stimulus response mechanism: behaviourists argue its only possible to scientifically investigate what can be directly observed and measured
Rejection of internal mental processes as the mind cant be directly observed
Environmental determinism argue behaviour is a result of experience and believe behaviour can be maniplaute by controlling the environment
What are the procedures of skinners research ?
Rats were placed in the Skinner box without prior training skinner then observed how aminlas learned to operate levers to receive a rewards or avoid punishment
What were the findings of skinners research?
Skinner demonstrated that behaviour is influenced by the consequences that follow behaviours followed by rewarding consequences are more likely to be repeated while those followed by undersirable consequences are less likely to recur
What are the 3 types of reinforcement ?
Positive reinforcement :adding a pleasant stimulus to encourage a desired behaviour
Negative reinforcement :removing an unpleasant stimulus to encourage the behaviour (skinner gave electric shocks)
Punishment: discourages behaviour
What are 2 advantages of the behaviourists approach?
Research is scientific and it studies objectively observable behaviour and measurebale stimulus response mechanism they establish a cause and effect relationship through highly controlled lab experiments. Standardised procedures allow for replication
It has several practical applications such as effective counter conditioning treatments, token economy systems in prison
What are 3 disadvantages of the behaviourists approach?
-use of animal subjects might not be generalisable to humans
-techniques can be seen as unethical when applied to humans as it can result in harmful effects
-the behaviourists attempt to explain behaviour due to simplistic stimulus response links is overly reductionists. Many human behaviours are too complex to describe as a result of reinforcement
What are the 3 things social learning theorists argue happen?
-observing others serves as a template for our actions. Vicarious reinforcement when someone is rewarded for behaviour were more likely to mimic it
Vicarious reinforcement witnessing someone punished for an action makes us less likely to adopt that behaviour
-modelling individuals we observe are referred to as models
-idenfitication not all models have the same likelihood of being imitated we are more likely to imitate models with similar characteristics
What are the 4 mediational processes ?
Attention-individuals must pay attention to the model in order to learn from them
Retention-the ability to remember the observed behaviour
Reproduction-the individuals believe in their ability to replicate the behaviour that the model demonstrated
Motivation-the willingness to perform the behaviour
With these the behaviours are internalised
What were the procedures of Bandura experiment?
The ppts children ages 3-6 were divided into 2 groups. The first group observed an adult demonstrating physical and verbal aggression towards a bobo doll in a room filled with toys. The second group watched an adult interact non aggressively with different toys. An experimenter observed and recorded the children’s physical and verbal aggression from behind a one way mirror
What were the findings on bandura experiment?
The findings revealed that children exposed to an aggressive model were more likely to be aggressive themselves. It also modelled identification in boys who after observing a male model were likely to mimic it
What happened in the symbolic model variation of the bandura experiment?
Children were exposed to a live aggressive adult and a recording of an aggressive adult or a cartoon featuring a aggressive cat all agression was directed towards a bobo doll the findings indicated comparable levels of aggression across all groups illustrating that models whether live or symbolic are imitated
What was the vicarious reinforcement variation of the bandura study?
Children witnessed adults acting aggressively towards a bobo doll followed by the adult recieving rewards, punishment or neither the findings indicated that children who observed the adult being punished displayed significantly less aggression towards the bobo doll compared to children in other conditions
What are 3 advantages of social learning theory?
-high internal validity due to its setting (bandura experiment )
-less reductionist approach as it acknowledges roles of consciousness and rationality
-reciprocal determinism behaviour isn’t only influenced by our environment but also shapes it
What are 2 disadvantages of social learning theory?
-lacks ecological validity as the aggression observed in a controlled lab may not translate to real world scenarios so also might not be applicable to real life
-research relies of inferences so might not be valid
What are internal mental processes ?
How info is processed in the mind including all conscious and unconscious thoughts
What is an advantage of the cognitive approach ?
It’s considered a scientific approach due to a highly controlled experiments
Studies are conducted in a lab and large sample size which means high internal validity
What is a disadvantage of cognitive approach of internal mental processes?
Relies on inferences which makes it less scientific however they are now supported by neuroimaging
What are schemas?
Mental frameworks collections of connected basic knowledge about a concept built from previous experience with the world
What is the role of schemas?
Processing environmental information- schemas allow us to engage with the world without being overwhelmed by sensory information
Predict the future- as schemas are based on previous experiences they allow us to make assumptions about what objects and people will do in similar situations
Lead to inaccurate recall- assumptions due to schemas can influence memory people may feel the are remembering accurately however their recall has been altered by leading questions
Negative schemas can lead to poor mental health- beck argues people with depression have faulty schmas that bias their thinking about themselves others and the future
Explain the use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes
By assuming the mind operates similarly to a computer or follows a logical,fixed sequence of stages, cognitive psychologists are guided in their interpretation of ppt behaviour in studies. Psychologists are then able to make educated guesses about internal mental activities based on observable behaviour
What is the computer model analogy?
Between the operation of a computers central processing unit running software programs and the human brain conducting internal mental processes this comparison suggests both systems receive inputs and generate outputs. The computer computer and the mind also process information through a sequence of programmed steps.
What is a disadvantage of the computer model?
The computer model is criticised for being overly simplistic (machine reductionist) critics argue that the human brain is significantly more complex than any computer and the human mind is capable of consciousness and emotions which can lead to irrational behaviour
What are the theoretical models?
Flow chart representations of the steps of a specific mental process. E.g. multi store model of memory
What is an advantage of the theoretical models?
Generate testable hypothesis allowing each assumption to be systematically and scientifically tested if the observed behaviour matches the models predictions it suggests the model is valid if behaviour contradicts the model the model can be adjusted or rejected
What is the emergence of cognitive neuroscience due to?
Due to the development of brain scanning techniques
What are two advantaged of cognitive neuroscience?
Cognitive neuroscience has confirmed the link between brain structures and mental processes
Tulving pet research has revealed specific brain activity patterns for different long term memepory types
What are 4 advantages of cognitive psychology?
-the cognitive approach is considered to be scientific due to the highly controlled experiments therefore high internal validity
-the emergence of neuroscience has enabled confirmation of links between Brian structures and internal mental processes
-real world application lead to cbt
-support soft determinism they recognise that behaviour is partly determined by biology and the environment they believe experiences create schemas in the brains biological structures yet also suggest thought processes provide personal control over actions
What are 2 disadvantages of the cognitive psychology?
-uses inferences which can be mistaken so aren’t considered that scientific
-methods can be artificial so tasks don’t mirror daily memory so lacks external validity
What happens during flight or fight?
The brain signals the adrenal gland to release adrenaline this hormone travels through the bloodstream enhancing blood flow to the brain and muscles while decreasing it to digestive organs and skin in emergencies this prioritises quick thinking, attednion and reflexes over digestion and reduces potential blood loss from less critical areas
Define localisation of function
The idea that specific brain areas are responsible for certain functions
What does the brain stem control?
Controls core physiological functions including 💗 rate and breathing
What does the cerebellum control?
Involved in coordinating muscle movements and balance
What are the two hemispheres in the cerebrum? And what 2 subsections are they divided into
Corpus callosum
Each hemisphere is subdivided into 4 lobes:
-occipital
-temporal
-paritetal
-frontal
What is the limbic system?
Emotional centre of the brain
What is the purpose of a synapse?
The axon terminal of a pre synaptic neuron and the dendrite of a post synaptic neuron are close but don’t touch. The pre synaptic neuron contains neurotransmitters in vesicles. When an electrical signal called an action potential reaches the axon terminal it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft
These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the post synaptic neuron neurotransmitters can be excitatory increasing the likelihood of a new action potential or inhibitatory decreasing it if excitatory signals outweigh inhibitatory ones the action potential continues
What is the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour ? Hormones
Serotonin-associated with well being and happiness
Dompaine- linked to pleasure it can be affected by cocaine
Noradrenaline- related to attention
Glutamate- key for learning and memory
What is the influence of genes on behaviour ?
Genes act as the blueprint for making the components of the organism
What are genotypes and phenotypes?
Genetic codes in the dna for the characteristics of an organism
Phenotypes are the physical expression of the genotype
What is Darwin’s theory of natural selection ?
Organisms with traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to pass these advantageous characteristics to their offspring
What evolutionary traits have happened in males?
Early hunters male aggression was beneficial for protecting the family hunting and competing for Mates which is why some might have inherited the trait
What is the influence of neurochemistry on behaviour and the role of neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are released at the synapse to enable communication between two neurones these neurotransmitters play a range of roles in influencing behaviour
What are 3 advantages of the biological approach/
-their theories are backed up by a range of research studies which are replicable and objective
-practical application in developing drug therapies
-seen as scientific as they use advanced tools like fmri
What are a disadvantage of biological psychology ?
-biological determinism believe that all actions are predetermined by biological factors
What do the psychodynamic approach study?
Study of the unconscious mind and unconscious mental drives that develop in childhood
What is Freuds psychodynamic theory ?
-the conscious
-the preconscious
-the unconscious
What is the role of the unconscious?
Our behaviours are shaped by unresolved unconscious conflicts among different parts of our personality as well as by experiences in early developmental stages Freud identified as psychosexual stages
Problems during these stages can result in fixation and being stuck in a particular stage
What is the role of the conscious mind?
Includes the thoughts we are aware of and can talk about including ideas decisions and emotions
What is the role of preconscious?
Thoughts aren’t immediately accessible but can be brought into conscious awareness
What are the three parts of the tripartite structure of personality ?
I’d, ego, superego
What is the id?
Selfish asecpt of the mind focused only on satisfying personal needs and desires
Operates on the pleasure principle seeking immediate gratification for its wants
What. Is the ego?
At around 18 months the ego begins it is known as the reality principle
Ego uses rational thinking to manage ids demands acting as the mediator
What is the superego?
By age three it occurs
Morality principle emerges as the child internalises the values and norms of their society it influences behaviour by inducing guilt
What did Freud argue about early childhood experiences and personality
Early childhood experiences shape the structure of personality
What are the 5 psychosexual stages?
-oral stage
-anal stage
-phalic stage
-latency stage
-genital stage
What is the oral stage and when does it happen?
0-1 years
The baby receives pleasure from their mouth during breastfeeding during weaning the infant learns it doesn’t control the environment and develops delayed gratification. Fixation results in an immature personality
What is the anal stage and when does it happen?
1-3 years
The child gets pleasure from holding onto and expelling faeces if the parents are too strict when pushing potty training mistakes this can result in fixation becoming an overly fussy and organised adult
What is the phalic stage and when does it happen?
3-5 years
The libido is now focused on the genitals
Boys experience the Oedipus complex: a sexual desire for their mother catastration anxiety is the fear that the father will find out and remove the boys genitals the boys eventually realise he cant compete with his father and instead identifies with him imitating his behaviour
The electra complex-describes a girls attachment to her father and dislikes for her mother
What is the latency stage and when does it happen?
6-12 years
Sexual energy is dispersed across the body and previous conflicts desires and memories from early childhood are represented into the unconscious
What is the genital stage and when does it happen?
12+years
Point of puberty and sexual desire is now conscious and in the final adult form
What are the 3 defence mechanisms?
-denial (refusal to accept the reality)
-displacement (when a strong emotions is moved from a source of that emotion and placed onto a different target)
-repression (unpleasant memory is placed into the unconscious mind)
What are two advantages of the psychodynamic approach?
-freuds ideas have face validity
-practical application e.g. psychoanalytic therapy
What are 2 disadvantages of the psychodynamic approach?
-lack scientific and credibility as its all interpretation
-falsibility ability to demonstrate the theory is wrong through empirical testing Freud made his theioreis untestable
What are the key features of the humanistic approach?
-rejection of the scientific method ague human behaviour is too complex
-considers we have free will
-holistic so takes into account other reasons
-focus on non experimental methods
-focus on mental health
Was is maslows heirarchy of needs?
Outlines a sequence of human needs in the form of a pyramid, certain functions need to be met before an individual can achieve self actualisation
-self actualisation (at top)
-esteem needs(feeling of accomplishment and recognition)
-love and belongingness needs
-safety needs
-physiological needs
What does rogers argue congruence is essential for ?
Achieving self actualisation
How do you become congruent?
-adopt a more realistic ideal self (people ideal selves are shaped by conditions of worth which are expectations from others condition of worth can lead to an ideal self is unattainably perfect by realising this they can set more realistic goals )
-enhance perceived self (this is improved by recieveing unconditional positive regard)
What is client centred therapy by Rodger’s?
The therapy is led by the client the therapist just offers support so the client self realises
What are 2 disadvantages of the humanistic approach?
-non scientific dur to its reliance on non experimental qualitative methods
—may be culturally biased towards western individualism emphasises self actualisation through personal success which goes against collectivist cultures
What are 2 advantages of humanistic approach?
-holistic explanation could be more realistic capturing the complexity of the human experience
-practical application like client centred therapy and heirarchy of needs
Comparison of scientific methodology of approach’s
Behaviourists -highly scientific as they focus on observable behaviour and standardised procedures which makes it replicable
SLT-use experimental methods and large samples but infer with reduces scientific
Cognitive-controlled experiments, internal mental processes are inferred
Biological-observable processes, use fmri, placebo trails,highly scientific
Psychodynamic-not scientific
Humanistic-lack empirical evidence to support their claims
Comparison of approaches determinism
Behaviourists- hard environmental determinism
SLT-environmentally deterministic
Cognitive- soft determinism
Biological-biological determinism
Psychodynamic-psychic determinism
Humanistic-free will
Comparison of approaches nurture vs nature
Behaviourism-most important influenced ob behaviour are environmental factors (nurture) but some role of nature dogs drool naturally
SLT-explains behaviour through nurture
Cognitive-both aspects r important
Biological-influences on behaviour are hereditary(nature)
Psychodynamic-both nature and nurture,psychosexual stages r biological but experiences through them aren’t
Humanistic- nature and nurture
Comparison of approaches reductionism
Behaviourism- highly reductionist explain behaviour due to a chain of simple stimulus response links
SLT-less reductionist than behaviourists as they include the role of internal mental processes
Cognitive- machine reductionist
Biological-highly reductionsts as ignores the complex role of emotions
Psychodynamic-not reductionist
Humanistic- not reductionists
Comparison of approaches psychological treatments
Behaviourism-flooding, systematic desensitisation
SLT-modelling
Cognitive-CBT
Biological-drug therapies
Psychodynamic-psychotherapy
Humanistic-client centred therapy
