Approaches Key Terms

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context

Question 2

Science

Answer 2

A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. The aim is to discover general laws

Question 3

Introspection

Answer 3

The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations

Question 4

Behaviourist Approach

Answer 4

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning

Question 5

Classical Conditioning

Answer 5

Learning by association

Question 6

Operant Conditioning

Answer 6

Learning by consequences

Question 7

Reinforcement

Answer 7

A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. It can be positive or negative.

Question 8

Social Learning Theory

Answer 8

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors

Question 9

Imitation

Answer 9

Copying the behaviour of others

Question 10

Modelling

Answer 10

Either imitating the behaviour of a role model OR the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that could be imitated by the observer

Question 11

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 11

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 12

Mediational Processes

Answer 12

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Question 13

Cognitive Approach

Answer 13

An approach focused on how our mental processes affect our behaviour

Question 14

Internal Mental Processes

Answer 14

“Private” operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response

Question 15

Schema

Answer 15

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. They are developed from experience

Question 16

Inference

Answer 16

The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basic of observed behaviour

Question 17

Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 17

The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes

Question 18

Biological Approach

Answer 18

A perspective that empathises the importance of physical processes in the body such as inheritance and neural functions

Question 19

Genes

Answer 19

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes physical features and psychological features. Genes are inherited

Question 20

Biological Structure

Answer 20

An arrangement or organism of parts to form a organ, system or living thing

Question 21

Neurochemistry

Answer 21

Relating to chemical in the brain that regulates psychological functioning

Question 22

Genotype

Answer 22

The particular set of genes that a person has

Question 23

Phenotype

Answer 23

The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment

Question 24

Evolution

Answer 24

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations

Question 25

Psychodynamic Approach

Answer 25

A perspective that describes the different forces, most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience

Question 26

The Unconscious

Answer 26

The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct most of our behaviour

Question 27

Id

Answer 27

Entirely unconscious, the id is made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification

Question 28

Ego

Answer 28

The “reality check”, that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the superego

Question 29

Superego

Answer 29

The moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self, how we ought to be

Question 30

Defence Mechanisms

Answer 30

Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the superego

Question 31

Psychosexual Stages

Answer 31

Five developmental stages that all children pass through. At each stage there is a different conflict, the outcome of which determines future development

Question 32

Humanistic Psychology Approach

Answer 32

An approach to understand behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each persons capacity for self determination

Question 33

Free Will

Answer 33

The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by biological or external forces

Question 34

Self Actualisation

Answer 34

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential-becoming what you are capable of

Question 35

Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 35

A five levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs can be achieved

Question 36

Self

Answer 36

The ideas and values that characterise “I” and “Me” and includes perception and valuing of “What I Am” and “What I Can Do”

Question 37

Congruence

Answer 37

The aim of Rogerian therapy, when the self concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match

Question 38

Conditions of Worth

Answer 38

When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children