Major Theory/Theorist Flashcards
Theory
Fact-based ideas that describe a phenomenon of human behavior; Based on a hypothesis and backed by evidence
Psychology
The scientific study of the human mind and behavior
Development
The progressive series of changes in structure, function, and behavior patterns that occur over the lifespan of a human being
Virtue
Admirable character trait
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
- Considered the father of psychoanalysis
- Greatly influenced the understanding of the unconscious mind and its role in shaping behavior
Sigmund Freud’s theory + key concepts
Psychoanalytic theory - Unconscious mind, Psychosexual development, Defense mechanisms
Freud’s Iceberg theory
Conscious mind - responsible for Thoughts/Perceptions
Preconscious mind - responsible for Memory Storage/Knowledge
Unconscious mind - responsible for Instincts/Fear/Selfish Motives
Albert Bandura (1925-2021)
- Emphasized the importance of social factors in learning and behavior
- Challenged behaviorism by introducing cognitive elements
Albert Bandura’s theory + key concepts
Social learning theory - Observational learning, modeling, self-efficacy
Carl Rogers (1902-1987)
- Focused on the individual’s capacity for personal growth and self-actualization
- Promoted a more positive and human-centered approach to psychology
Carl Roger’s theory + key concepts
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B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
- Emphasized observable behavior and its relationship to consequences
- Contributed to the behaviorist perspective in psychology
B.F Skinner’s theory + key concepts
Behaviorism - Operant conditioning, reinforcement, punishment
John B. Watson (1878-1958)
- Considered the founder of behaviorism
- Argued that psychology should focus on the study of observable behaviors rather than unobservable mental processes
- Believed that behaviors could be understood through conditioning and environmental factors
John B. Watson’s theory + key concepts
Behaviorism - Observable behavior, stimulus-response associations
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
- Research laid the foundation for the understanding of classical conditioning, demonstrating how behaviors could be learned through associations
Ivan Pavlov’s theory + key concepts
Classical conditioning - Conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, conditioned and unconditioned responses
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)
- Proposed a hierarchy of human needs
- Suggested that individuals strive for self-actualization once their basic needs are met
Abraham Maslow’s theory + key concepts
Hierarchy of Needs - Self-actualization, Hierarchy of human needs
Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization
Physiological needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs)
breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion
Safety needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs)
security of body, of employment, of resources, of morality, of the family, of health, of property
Love/belonging needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs)
friendship, family, sexual intimacy
Esteem Needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs)
self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, respect by others
Self-actualization needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs)
morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts
Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
- Focused on how children actively construct their understanding of the world
- Influenced the field of developmental psychology
Jean Piaget’s theory + key concepts
Cognitive Development theory - Stages of cognitive development
Stages of Piaget’s Cognitive Development theory
Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete operational, Formal operational
Sensorimotor Stage (Piaget)
0-2 years old
- Coordination of senses with motor responses
- Sensory curiosity about the world
- Language used for demands and cataloging
- Object permanence is developed
Preoperational Stage (Piaget)
2-7 years old
- Symbolic thinking
- Use of proper syntax and grammar to express concepts
- Imagination and intuition are strong, but complex abstract thoughts are still difficult
- Conservation is developed
Concrete operational stage (Piaget)
7-11 years old
- Concepts attached to concrete situations (time, space, and quantity) are understood and can be applied, but not as independent concepts
Formal operational stage (Piaget)
11 years and older
- Theoretical, hypothetical, and counterfactual thinking
- Abstract logic and reasoning
- Strategy and planning become possible
- Concepts learned in one context can be applied to another
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
- Expanded on Freud’s theories, emphasizing the importance of social and cultural influences on development throughout the lifespan
Erik Erikson’s theory + key concepts
Psychosocial Development theory - Eight stages of psychosocial development
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Infancy
0-1 year old
Basic Conflict: Trust vs. Mistrust
Virtue: Hope
Trust vs. Mistrust (Erikson)
Trust (or mistrust) that basic needs (nourishment, affection) will be met
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Early Childhood
1-3 years old
Basic Conflict: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt
Virtue: Will
Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt (Erikson)
Develop a sense of independence in many tasks
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Play Age
3-6 years old
Basic Conflict: Initiative vs. Guilt
Virtue: Purpose
Initiative vs. Guilt (Erikson)
Take initiative on some activities, may develop guilt when unsuccessful or boundaries overstepped
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: School Age
7-11 years old
Basic Conflict: Industry vs. Inferiority
Virtue: Competence
Industry vs. Inferiority (Erikson)
Develop self-confidence in abilities when competent or sense of inferiority when not
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Adolescene
12-18 years old
Basic Conflict: Identity vs. Confusion
Virtue: Fidelity
Identity vs. Confusion (Erikson)
Experiment with and develop identity and roles
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Early adulthood
19-29 years old
Basic Conflict: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Virtue: Love
Intimacy vs. Isolation (Erikson)
Establish intimacy and relationships with others
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Middle age
30-64 years old
Basic Conflict: Generativity vs. Stagnation
Virtue: Care
Generativity vs. Stagnation (Erikson)
Contribute to society and be part of a family
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages: Old age
65 years old - death
Basic Conflict: Integrity vs. Despair
Virtue: Wisdom
Integrity vs. Despair (Erikson)
Assess and make sense of life and meaning of contributions
