Approaches Flashcards
Define psychology
The scientific study of the mind, behaviour and experience.
Define science
A means if acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. The aim is to discover general laws
Define introspection
The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basics structures of through images and sensations
Define behaviourist approach
A ways of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
Define classical conditioning
Learning by association. Occurs when two stimuli are regularly paired together. The neutral stimulus will produce the same response as the first unconditioned stimulus
Define operant conditioning
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.
Define positive reinforcement
Reviving an award when a certain behaviour is performed (increasing the likelihood of the behaviour).
Define negative reinforcement
When you avid something unpleasant and the outcome is a positive experience
Define social learning theory
A way of explaining behaviours that included both direct and indirect reinforcement - combining learning theory with the roles of cognitive processes
Define imitation
Copying the behaviour of others.
Define identification
A desire to be associated with a particular person or group often because they possess desirable characteristics
Define modelling
Imitating the behaviour of a role model
Define vicarious reinforcement
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing others being reinforced
Define meditational processes
Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
State the mediational processes.
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Define cognitive approach
How our mental processes affect behaviour
Define internal mental processes
‘Private’ operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response
Define inference
The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about they way mental processes operate in the basis of observations
Define schema
A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing.
Define cognitive neuroscience
The scientific study of the use biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
Define biological approach
A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genes and neural functions
Define genes
They make ups chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical fratures
Define Genotype
The particular set of genes that a person posesses
Define phenotype
The characteristics of an individual determined by birth genes and the environment
