Approaches- Keywords

Question 1

Introspection

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Behaviourist approach

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

Learning by association. Occurs when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together- an unlearned stimulus and a neutral stimulus. The neutral stimulus eventually produced the same response that was first produced by the unlearned stimulus.

Question 4

Operant conditioning

Answer 4

A form of learning where behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include positive and negative reinforcement or punishment.

Question 5

Reinforcement

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Social learning theory

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Imitation

Answer 7

Copying the behaviour of others.

Question 8

Identification

Answer 8

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model.

Question 9

Modelling

Answer 9

From the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour.

Question 10

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Mediarional processes

Answer 11

Cognitive factors (i.e thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.

Question 12

Cognitive approach

Answer 12

The term ‘Cognitive’ has come to mean ‘mental processes’, so this approach is focused on how our mental processes (thoughts, perceptions..) affect behaviours.

Question 13

Internal mental processes

Answer 13

‘Private’ operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.

Question 14

Schema

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Inference

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 16

The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes.

Question 17

Biological approach

Answer 17

A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 18

Genes

Answer 18

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes the physical features of an organism (eye colour) and psychological features (intellegence). Are transmitted from parents to offspring.

Question 19

Neurochemistry

Answer 19

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.

Question 20

Genotype

Answer 20

A particular set of genes that a person possesses.

Question 21

Phenotype

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Nervous system

Answer 22

Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral system.

Question 23

Central nervous system

Answer 23

Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.

Question 24

Peripheral nervous system

Answer 24

Sends info to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.

Question 25

Somatic nervous system

Answer 25

Transmits info from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. Also recieved info from the CNS that directs muscles to act.

Question 26

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 26

Transmits info to and from internal bodily organs. Is ‘Autonomic’as the system operates involuntary. Has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 26

Autonomic nervous system

Answer 26

Transmits info to and from internal bodily organs. Is ‘Autonomic’as the system operates involuntary. Has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 27

Neuron

Answer 27

Basic building blocks of the nervous system, neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical and chemical signals.

Question 28

Sensory neurons

Answer 28

These carry messages from the PNS to the CNS. Have long dendrites and short axons.

Question 29

Relay neurons

Answer 29

Connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons. They have short dendrites and short axons.

Question 30

Motor neurons

Answer 30

Connect the CNS to the defectors such as muscles. Short dendrites and long axons.

Question 31

Synaptic transmission

Answer 31

The process by which neighbouring neurons communicate with each other by sending chemical messages across the gap (synapse) that seperates them.

Question 32

Neurotransmitter

Answer 32

Brain chemicals released from synaptic vesicles that relay signals across the synapse from one neuron to another. Can be divided into those that perform an excitatory function and those that perform an inhibititory function.

Question 33

Excitation

Answer 33

When a Neurotransmitter ( eg adrenaline) increases the positive charge of the postsynaptic neuron. Increases the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse.

Question 34

Inhibition

Answer 34

When a Neurotransmitter (serotonin) increases the negative charge of the postsynaptic neuron. Decreasing the likelihood that the neuron will fire and pass on the electrical impulse.

Question 35

Endocrine system

Answer 35

One of the body’s major info systems that instructs glands to release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones are carried towards target organs in the body.

Question 36

Gland

Answer 36

An organ in the body that synthesises substances such as hormones.

Question 37

Hormones

Answer 37

Chemical substances that circulate in the blood stream and only affect target organs. Produced in large quantities but disappear quickly. Their effects are powerful.

Question 38

Psychodynamic approach

Answer 38

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

Question 39

The unconcious

Answer 39

The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which continues to direct much of out behaviour.

Question 40

Id

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Ego

Answer 41

The ‘ reality check’ that balances the conflicting demands of the id and the super ego.

Question 42

Superego

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Defence mechanisms

Answer 43

Unconscious strategies that the ego used to manage the conflict between the id and the super ego.

Question 44

Psychosexual stages

Answer 44

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

Question 45

Humanistic psychology approach

Answer 45

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-esteem determination.

Question 46

Congruence

Answer 46

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

Question 47

Conditions of worth

Answer 47

When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children. (Eg i will only love you if.. you study medicine).