Approaches (AO1) Flashcards
What is the assumption of the biological approach?
What in particular does it look at?
Suggests that everything is psychological, is first biological. Emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body.
Looks at genetics, neurochemistry and the neural system.
Define genotype
Actual genetic makeup, what you inherited and cannot change. Inherited factors
Define phenotype
The characteristic you express/are shown, can differ to genotype. Environmental factors.
Why are the phenotype and genotype different?
Much human behaviour depends on human interaction between inherited factors and environmental factors. Even twins’ phenotypes can differ because it’s based on their surrounding environments.
What does evolution have to do with behaviour? An example?
Gradually, Pheno affects your Geno over time. Through process of natural selection, our inherited characteristics change to enhance survival and reproduction. Selective Breeding is a prime example.
Elaborate on the genetic basis for behaviour?
What approach is this?
How genetics influence intelligence, disorders and behaviour in general. Look to see how these characteristics are inherited.
Biological
How do we analyse the genetic basis for behaviour?
We do this through twin studies and the use of both monozygotic and dizygotic twins and the concordance rate between the two.
What are the differences between Monozygotic and Dizygotic twins?
Monozygotic (MZ); Twins who share 100% of genes
Dizygotic (DZ); Twins who share 50% of genes, like normal twins
What do studies into the genetic basis for behaviour assume?
Assumes that MZ twins will have the same characteristics, and the concordance rates are less for DZ due to the amount of genes shared.
What are the assumptions of the cognitive approach?
- Looks at internal mental processes of info processing, scientifically studying them. MSM an example of memory through this approach. Contrasts the behavioural approach
- Processes are only private so you have to make inferences, but relation DOES NOT mean causation.
What is the schema and it’s role?
A mental representation, how we automatically presume something/environmental stimuli to be and how we’d react.
Explains prejudices and other behaviours; how we know to behave in certain environments.
How are theoretical and computer models related to the cognitive approach?
Thanks to understanding of our brains, we can make computer systems that are similar. MSM an example.
Looks at how info is processed, coded and stored. Understandings of psychology = developments in tech such as AI.
What is an example of the emergence of cognitive neuroscience?
Frontal lobe now associated with speech, KF and HM show how certain parts of brain damage impact only specific things. Structures have been observed by fMRI scans and PET scans.
What is a weakness of research into the Cog. approach?
(P) A weakness of the research however, is that it suffers from demand characteristics or involve case studies which are hard to generalise. (E) Brain scans are often only applicable to those being scanned and cannot be generalised and research into memory often suffers due to its use of artificial tasks, and makes demand characteristics more common. (I) This reduces the external validity of the approach and makes it hard to generalise.
What is the assumption of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?
People learn through observation and imitation of others, learning occurs directly through O.C + C.C but also indirectly, perhaps through SLT.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
For indirect learning to take place individual observes others’ behaviour. May imitate such behaviour, esp. If seen as rewarding so consequences of behaviour is learned.
What is the link between SLT and Cog. approach?
SLT described as ‘bridge’ between traditional Learning Theory and cognitive approach as focuses on internal mental processes involved in learning.
Outline one of the processes SLT?
Mediating/ARMM determines whether a new responses is needed and includes:
- Attention: Extent we notice other’s behaviour
- Retention: How well behaviour is remembered
- Motor Reproduction: Ability of observer to perform such behaviour
- Motivation: Will to perform behaviour, determined by whether acting this way bring punishment or reward.
What is important to remember about the ARMM process?
First 2 relate to LEARNING of behaviour and other PERFORMING. Unlike traditional behaviourism they don’t need to occur together, behaviour can be stored then performed later on when necessary.
What is modelling?
People (esp. children) are more likely to imitate those they see as role models, known as modelling. Role models don’t have to be physically present in environment and highlights influence of media. Person becomes role model if they attractive to someone through similar characteristics, physically or because of their perceived higher status.
