Big theories Flashcards
1
Q
the big theories apply to … (3)
A
- Animals
- Humans- cognitive psych (info processing), social psych
- brains- how NS and endocrine system exchange info and communicate
2
Q
Theory of evolution
A
brain evolves b/c under scrutiny of natural selection
3
Q
information theory (broad definition)
A
=how information is transmitted/ communicated if there is noise
- cognitive psych is based on information theory
- invented electrical communication
4
Q
systems theory
A
if one unit of family is dysfunctional, will effect other parts
5
Q
dynamic systems theory
A
- emerged from systems theory
- complex things come from simple things
- brought in CHAOS THEORY= may see no pattern but there is one that emerges
6
Q
signal detection theory
A
- how process signals from others
- measure performance of receiver
7
Q
semiotics theory
A
-close to linguistics
8
Q
rule-based systems
A
- rules set in place, followed until must add exceptions
- Ex. murmurations by starling fly (coordinate patterns through the sky)
- Ex. locality principle (each individual monitors what is immediately around them)
9
Q
decision theory
A
- animals make choices that are not random, although may not be aware of reasoning behind
- Limbic system important in decision making (emotions): mostly in animals without large cortex
- animals make decisions for resources (ex. foraging for food, mates, etc.)
10
Q
3 subtypes of ‘decision theory’
A
- Cognitive theory- maximizing as a mechanism
- Descriptive theory- maximizing as an outcome
- Normative theory- maximizing as best choice (compared to other choices)
11
Q
Graph theory and network analysis
A
- graphical, intuitive, quantifiable
- used to see structure of relationship within a group
- flow of communication, social behavior and relationship
