Approaches Flashcards
Science
A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation, aim to discover general laws
Introspection
First systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations
Behaviourist approach
A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
Classical conditioning
Learning be association, occurs when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together, - unconditioned stimulus and a new neutral stimulus, eventually producing the same response
Operant conditioning
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences (positive/negative reinforcement or punishment)
Reinforcement
A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. Can be positive or negative
Mediational processes
Cognitive factors (thinking) that influence learning, Attention Retention Motor reproduction Motivation
Social learning theory
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining leading theory with the role of cognitive factors
Imitation
Copying the behaviour of others
Identification
When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them
Modelling
Imitating the behaviour of a role model or precise demonstration of a specific behaviour
Vicarious reinforcement
Reinforcement that is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for behaviour
Mediational process: attention
The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Mediational process: retention
How well the behaviour is remembered
Mediational process: motor reproduction
The ability of the observer to be form the behaviour
Mediational process: motivation
Will to perform, determined by reward or punishment
Cognitive approach
Mental processes (thoughts, perception, attention) affecting behaviour
Internal mental process
Private operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response
Scheme
Mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing, developed from experience
Inference
Process where cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour
Cognitive neuroscience
Scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
Biological approach
Perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
Genes
Make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (eye couloir or height) & psychological features (mental disorder or intelligence)
Biological structure
An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing
Neurochemistry
Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning
Genotype
The particular set of genes that a perish possesses
Phenotype
The characteristics me of an individual determined by both genes and the environment
Evolution
The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
Nervous system
Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
Central nervous system
Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions
Peripheral nervous system
Send information to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from CNS to muscles and glands
Somatic nervous system
Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS, also records information from CNS, directs muscles to act
Autonomic nervous system
Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs, system predates automatically. Sympathetic and parasympathetic
Neuton
Basic building blocks of the nervous system, neutrons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals
Sensory neurons
Carry messages from PNS to the CNS, long dendrites and short axons
Relay neurons
Connect the sensory neurons to the motor neurons, short dendrites and short axons
Motor neuron
Connect CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands, short dendrites and long axons
Psychology
Scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour
