Approaches key terms

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of the mind, its functions and how these affect our behaviour

Question 2

Inference

Answer 2

the process of drawing conclusions about general patterns of behaviour from specific observations.

Question 3

Schema

Answer 3

a set of linked mental representations of the world which we use to understand and respond to situations

Question 4

Heredity

Answer 4

the passing of characteristics from one generation to the next through genes

Question 5

Genotype

Answer 5

an individuals genetic make up which occurs at conception

Question 6

Phenotype

Answer 6

the observable traits/ characteristics shown by the individual due to the combined effect of genes and environment
the product of the genotype interacting with the environment

Question 7

Classical conditioning

Answer 7

A form of learning which occurs by associating naturally occurring instinct with new stimuli thus creating a “conditioned” response
2 stimuli repeatedly paired

Question 8

Operant conditioning

Answer 8

a method of learning that uses rewards/reinforcements and punishments to modify behaviour

Question 9

positive reinforcement

Answer 9

a reward is given for desired behaviour so they are likely to repeat it

Question 10

negative reinforcement

Answer 10

a negative consequence is removed after desired behaviour so they are likely to repeat it to avoid negative consequence

Question 11

punishment

Answer 11

a negative consequence is given for an undesired behaviour

Question 12

extrapolation

Answer 12

over generalising from our results

Question 13

unconditioned stimulus

Answer 13

a stimulus that leads to an automatic response

Question 13

conditioned stimulus

Answer 13

a stimulus that can eventually trigger a conditioned response

Question 14

neutral stimulus

Answer 14

a stimulus that at first elicits no response

Question 15

unconditioned response

Answer 15

an unlearned response that occurs naturally

Question 16

conditioned response

Answer 16

a learned response to a previously neutral stimuli

Question 17

free will

Answer 17

the power of acting without constraint of necessity or fate - the ability to act at ones own discretion

Question 18

self actualisation

Answer 18

to reach one full potential - the highest level of psychological development where personal potential is fully reached after basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled

Question 19

Hierarchy of needs

Answer 19

a theory of psychology explaining human motivation based on the pursuit of different level of needs

Question 20

ideal self

Answer 20

the person you want to be

Question 21

actual self

Answer 21

the concept of self image of what a person is now