Chapter 2- Part 2

Question 1

What are the main learning theories?

Answer 1

Classical conditioning Operant conditioning Behaviour Modification
Social Learning

Question 2

Who uses classical conditioning theory?

Answer 2

Associated with Ivan Pavlov’s dog

-Unconditioned reflex (stimulus) paired with a conditioned reflex elicits a conditioned response

Question 3

Who uses classical conditioning?

Answer 3

Used by media to promote products

-Can be measured scientifically

Question 4

Who mainly uses the operant conditioning theory?

Answer 4

B.F Skinner (behaviour =operant)

Question 5

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 5

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

Question 6

How does operant conditioning relate to sex?

Answer 6

Also explains how negative reinforcers of sexual experience can lead to aversion/ avoidance of the behaviour
-Pain with intercourse, sexual assault or abuse

Question 7

from operant conditioning what is more influential in reinforcing or inhibiting the behaviour?

Answer 7

Rewards are more influential that punishments in shaping learned behaviours

Question 8

How are sexual behaviours learned?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What techniques are used for behaviour modification?

Answer 9

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

Question 10

What is behaviour modification?

Answer 10

Focus is on the undesirable behavior and not the psychosocial nature of the person

Often combined with cognitive techniques
-Aka cognitive-behavioral therapy

Question 11

Who is most associated with social learning theory?

Answer 11

Bandura

Question 12

What is social learning theory?

Answer 12

Uses principles of operant conditioning (rewards/ punishments) as well as principles of imitation and identification
-Such as: gender identity

Question 13

What is social learning theory influenced by?

Answer 13

Various social factors: same-gender family members, peers, mass media, societal norms

Question 14

What is the concept of self-efficacy?

Answer 14

Control over one’s behavior produces the desired result

Question 15

What is the social exchange theory?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Who is mainly associated with social exchange theory?

Answer 16

Cook

Question 17

What is human nature said to be?

Answer 17

“hedonistic” (self-centered) thus attempting to maximize positive/pleasure over negative/ displeasure

Question 18

From social exchange theory, what are relationships seen as?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

What is the assumption of the cognitive theory?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What is the connection between cognitions and thought with he cognitive theory?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Who is the main person with the gender schema theory?

Answer 21

Sandra Bem

Question 22

What is the gender schema theory?

Answer 22

Theory that explains gender-role development according to schemas
-fixed order/series of modelled stages

Question 23

What is the definition of schema ?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Schemas (stereotypes) are resistant to what kind of change?

Answer 24

Gender roles
Sexual orientation
Dominant societal norms

Question 25

Do people like structure?

Answer 25

Yes they strive for it

Question 26

Based on gender schema theory what do children learn and understand?

Answer 26

Children learn and understand masculinity and femininity initially as dichotomies
-educational efforts to neutralize language

Question 27

What is feminist theory?

Answer 27

Interdisciplinary contributions

Presenting aspects of intersectionality not accounted for in other theories (SDOH)

Critiques Societal Androcentrism

• Inequality of status
• Disproportionate sexual rights and risks

Question 28

What is queer theory?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

What is the word queer?

Answer 29

Queer is considered to be reclaimed word or self-description

Question 30

What is symbolic interaction theory?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

What is a sexual scripts?

Answer 31

Plans that people carry around in their minds

-Meaning is ascribed to behaviors through our interactions with others

Question 32

What do sexual scripts account for?

Answer 32

What they are doing and what they are planning to do

Question 33

What do sexual scripts help us to remember?

Answer 33

Help us to remember what we have done in the past (and thus learn lessons)
-Can change throughout the lifespan

Question 34

What are macro level influences of the sociological perspectives?

Answer 34

Religion 
Economics 
Family 
Medicine 
Law