Approaches key terms Flashcards
Introspection
the first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts images and sensations
psychology
the scientific study of the mind, behaviour and experience
science
a means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. the aim is to discover general laws.
behaviourist approach
a way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is available and in terms of learning
classical conditioning
learning by association. occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together - UCS + NS. The NS eventually produces the same response that was first produced by UCS alone.
operant conditioning
a type of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. possible consequences include punishment and reinforcement
reinforcement
a consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. can be positive or negative.
social learning theory
a way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
imitation
copying behaviour of others
identification
when an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model
modelling
observers perspective: imitating the behaviour of a role model
role models perspective: precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.
vicarious reinforcement
reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. this is a key factor in imitation
mediational processes
cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
cognitive approach
the term cognitive has come to mean mental processes so this approach is focused on how our mental processes affect our behaviour
internal mental processes
private operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response
schema
a mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. they are developed from experience
inference
the process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour
cognitive neuroscience
the scientific study of those biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
biological approach
a 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 and psychological features. genes are transmitted from parents to offspring
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 person possesses
phenotype
the characteristics of an induvidual determined by both genes and the environment
evolution
the changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations
psychodynamic approach
a perspective that describes the different forces most of which are unconscious that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experience
the unconscious
the part of the mind that we are unaware of but which directs much of our behaviour
ID
entirely unconscious the id is made up of selfish aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification
ego
the reality check that balances the conflicting demands of the id and superego
superego
the moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self - how we ought to be
defence mechanisms
unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the id and the superego
psychosexual stages
five developmental stages that all children pass through. at each stage there is a different conflict the outcome of which determines future development
humanistic psychology
an approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each persons capacity for self determination
free will
the notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by internal biological or external forces
self actualisation
the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil ones full potential - becoming what you are capable of.
heirachry or needs
a five levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic physiological needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs can be achieved
self
the ideas and values that characterise ‘i’ and ‘me’ and includes perception and valuing of ‘what am i’ and ‘what can i do’
congruence
the aim of rogerian therapy when the self concept and ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match
conditions of worth
when a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children
