Key Terms Approaches 1

Question 1

Empirism

Answer 1

Belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of the scientific method in psychology.

Question 2

Scientific method

Answer 2

Refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods

Question 3

Behaviourist

Answer 3

People who believe that human behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning, without the need to consider thoughts or feelings.

Question 4

Classic conditioning

Answer 4

A neutral stimulus (NS) is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) so that it eventually takes on the properties of this stimulus (CS) and is able to produce a conditioned response (CR).

Question 5

Punishment

Answer 5

Involves the application of an unpleasant consequence following a behaviour, with the result that the behaviour is less likely to occur

Question 6

Reinforcement

Answer 6

Anything that strengthens a response and increases the likelihood that it will occur again in the future.

Question 7

Identification

Answer 7

A form of social influence where someone adopts an attitude or behaviour as they want to be associated with a particular person or group.

Question 8

Imitation

Answer 8

The action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour as a result.

Question 9

Mediational processes

Answer 9

Refer to the internal mental processes that exist between environmental stimuli and the response made by an individual.

Question 10

Modelling

Answer 10

A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour.

Question 11

SLT

Answer 11

Learning through observing another individual.

Question 12

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 12

Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour, but through observing someone else being reinforced for that.

Question 13

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 13

An area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive function and the information about brain structures.

Question 14

Inferenerence

Answer 14

Reaching logical conclusions on a basis of evidence and reason.

Question 15

Schema

Answer 15

A cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain; they help someone to make sense of new information.

Question 16

Theoretical models

Answer 16

In cognitive psychology, models are simplified, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental process based on evidence.

Question 17

Biological approach

Answer 17

Views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of physiological functioning.

Question 18

Introspection

Answer 18

The process by which a person gains knowledge about their own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts and feelings.

Question 19

Operant conditioning

Answer 19

Learning through reinforcement or punishment. If a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence then that behaviour is more likely to be repeated again in the future.