Chapter 2- Part 2 Flashcards
What are the main learning theories?
Classical conditioning Operant conditioning Behaviour Modification
Social Learning
Who uses classical conditioning theory?
Associated with Ivan Pavlov’s dog
-Unconditioned reflex (stimulus) paired with a conditioned reflex elicits a conditioned response
Who uses classical conditioning?
Used by media to promote products
-Can be measured scientifically
Who mainly uses the operant conditioning theory?
B.F Skinner (behaviour =operant)
What is operant conditioning?
Behaviour followed by reward is likely to be repeated; Behaviour followed by punishment is likely to be avoided
Primary reinforcements are intrinsically pleasurable/rewarding
-Food, sexual relations
How does operant conditioning relate to sex?
Also explains how negative reinforcers of sexual experience can lead to aversion/ avoidance of the behaviour
-Pain with intercourse, sexual assault or abuse
from operant conditioning what is more influential in reinforcing or inhibiting the behaviour?
Rewards are more influential that punishments in shaping learned behaviours
How are sexual behaviours learned?
Sexual behaviour has the potential to be learned and shaped throughout the lifespan
-Versus psychoanalytic theory which attests to development of sexual behavior during childhood
What techniques are used for behaviour modification?
Uses techniques of both classical and operant conditioning to modify human behaviour
Techniques usually utilized to modify undesirable sexual tendencies/behaviours
Not concerned with the cause of behaviours
What is behaviour modification?
Focus is on the undesirable behavior and not the psychosocial nature of the person
Often combined with cognitive techniques
-Aka cognitive-behavioral therapy
Who is most associated with social learning theory?
Bandura
What is social learning theory?
Uses principles of operant conditioning (rewards/ punishments) as well as principles of imitation and identification
-Such as: gender identity
What is social learning theory influenced by?
Various social factors: same-gender family members, peers, mass media, societal norms
What is the concept of self-efficacy?
Control over one’s behavior produces the desired result
What is the social exchange theory?
Based on the principles of reinforcement to explain satisfaction and stability in human relationships
Evolved out of the teachings of social learning theories
Assumes freedom of choice
-Evolving roles/socialization
Choices have consequences -positive
-negative
Who is mainly associated with social exchange theory?
Cook
What is human nature said to be?
“hedonistic” (self-centered) thus attempting to maximize positive/pleasure over negative/ displeasure
From social exchange theory, what are relationships seen as?
As an exchange of assets and the benefits must outweigh the costs for success
- Relationships continue if they are equitable for both parties (ongoing)
- Inequity and imbalanced cost/benefit analysis may lead one partner to which to change to another partnership that is deemed a more equitable fit with greater benefits and fewer costs
What is the assumption of the cognitive theory?
Assumption of this theory is that our thought influence our feelings
- Positive thoughts make us feel good
- Negative thoughts make us feel bad
- -Acknowledges that negative thoughts can be realistic or unrealistic and the negative affect is the same
What is the connection between cognitions and thought with he cognitive theory?
Perception of an event, “labeling“ of an event and evaluation of an event are fundamental predictors of our feelings toward that event as positive or negative
Eg. Not reaching orgasm
- It happens, no big deal
- There is something wrong with me, I am inadequate
Who is the main person with the gender schema theory?
Sandra Bem
What is the gender schema theory?
Theory that explains gender-role development according to schemas
-fixed order/series of modelled stages
What is the definition of schema ?
general knowledge framework about a topic that guides personal perception
Affects our memory of events depending on whether the situation/event fits or does not fit our schema
We will remember gender schema consistent information preferentially to gender schema inconsistent information
Schemas (stereotypes) are resistant to what kind of change?
Gender roles
Sexual orientation
Dominant societal norms
Do people like structure?
Yes they strive for it
Based on gender schema theory what do children learn and understand?
Children learn and understand masculinity and femininity initially as dichotomies
-educational efforts to neutralize language
What is feminist theory?
Interdisciplinary contributions
Presenting aspects of intersectionality not accounted for in other theories (SDOH)
Critiques Societal Androcentrism
- Inequality of status
- Disproportionate sexual rights and risks
What is queer theory?
Challenges societal heteronormativity and traditional assumptions about the gender binary
Theory highlights aspects of identity that have been marginalized
-Beyond sexual orientation and gender identity
Intersectionality highlights aggregates that may disenfranchise or put people at risk
What is the word queer?
Queer is considered to be reclaimed word or self-description
What is symbolic interaction theory?
Human nature and the social order are products of communication among people
Words and resulting actions taking within social contexts to relay meaning
-Role expectations along gender, age, class
What is a sexual scripts?
Plans that people carry around in their minds
-Meaning is ascribed to behaviors through our interactions with others
What do sexual scripts account for?
What they are doing and what they are planning to do
What do sexual scripts help us to remember?
Help us to remember what we have done in the past (and thus learn lessons)
-Can change throughout the lifespan
What are macro level influences of the sociological perspectives?
Religion Economics Family Medicine Law
