mod 1

Question 1

Overt

Answer 1

• Behaviour which is directly observable - Eating, sleeping, talking, moving, looking etc.

Question 2

Covert

Answer 2

• Processes that are internal - cognitive / mental / emotional processes
• How we perceive, learn, remember, think, reason, feel etc.

Question 3

Structuralism
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)

Answer 3

The scientific study of conscious experience
- Wundt investigated topics like vision, touch, hearing attention and emotion but used a method called introspection to do so

Question 4

Criticisms of structuralism

Answer 4

• Reductionistic
• Elemental
• Reliance on verbal reports

Question 5

Functionalism
William James (1842-1910)

Answer 5

Topics investigated:
- Patterns of development during childhood
- Effectiveness of educational practises
- Behavioural differences between males and females

Question 6

5 perspectives in psychology

Answer 6

1. Psychodynamic approach
2. Behaviourism
3. Humanistic perspective
4. Cognitive perspective
5. Evolutionary perspective

Question 7

Psychodynamic approach

Answer 7

Sigmond Freud (1856-1939)
- This approach focuses on the unconscious
- Attempts to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders in terms of unconscious determinants
- Unconscious contains instincts, feelings, desires that we are not aware of

Question 8

Psychodynamic perspective rests on three key premises:

Answer 8

1. People’s actions are determined by the way thoughts, feelings and wishes are connected in their minds
2. Many mental events occur outside of conscious awareness
3. Mental processes may conflict with each other

Question 9

Psychoanalysis

Answer 9

• Free association
• Dream analysis - dreams tell you about yourself e.g. falling off a bridge in a dream
• Transference of information / knowledge

Question 10

Behaviourism (Early 1900’s)

Answer 10

• Psychology should study only observable behaviour
• Abandoned study of consciousness

Question 11

Humanistic perspective

Answer 11

Objected to claim that people have no control over their destinies
Humanistic behaviour is governed primarily by:
- Each individuals ‘sense of self’ (self-concept)
- Human drive toward self-actualisation

Question 12

4 key ideas of humanistic experience:

Answer 12

1. Self-actualisation: the inherent drive of individuals to realise their full potential and become the best version of themselves
2. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: a model in which individuals strive to fulfill basic needs (such as psychological and physical safety) before progressing to higher-order needs (such as belonging and self-actualisation)
3. Subjective experience: values the experience of individuals. It recognises that people’s perceptions, feelings, and unique perspectives are crucial in understanding their behaviour
4. Rogers’ person-centred therapy: emphasises creating a supportive and non-judgemental therapeutic environment

Question 13

Cognitive perspective

Answer 13

Cognitive revolution: renewed interest in consciousness and physiological bases of behaviour

The assumption for the cognitive psychologist is that we must study internal mental events in order to understand behaviour

Question 14

Evolutionary perspective

Answer 14

Human behaviours evolved because they helped our ancestors survive and reproduce

• Some behaviours are biologically determined (e.g. the impulse to eat, sexual impulses)
• Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is applied to human behaviours
• Natural selection; adaptive traits; reproductive success

Patterns of behaviour are products of evolution
- Natural selection favours behaviours that enhance reproductive success
- Mating preferences; jealousy
- Aggression; sexual behaviour
- Language; decision making
- Sex differences in spatial abilities

Paternity uncertainty?

Question 15

E.G. of Psychodynamic perspective: focus on unconscious processes, conflict and early experience

Answer 15

Dennis was traumatized as a child when he was not permitted to wear a Halloween costume he really wanted to wear. He has repressed the memory but, as a result, dresses in outrageous clothing to try and compensate for his loss as a child.

Question 16

E.G: Behavioural perspective: focus on learning (behaviour modified by consequences)

Answer 16

Dennis’s father and grandfather both frequently dyed their hair. Dennis observed this through his life and is now imitating the same behaviour.

Question 17

E.G: Humanistic perspective: focus on the unique individual and motivation to achieve goals

Answer 17

Dennis has lost his way due to a confusing environment and lack of belief in himself. Dennis needs to believe in himself and life without the NBA

Sarah, a young artist, feels stuck and uninspired in her creative pursuits. She lacks confidence in her abilities and constantly compares herself to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Through humanistic therapy, Sarah explores her inner desires and motivations, uncovering her deep passion for self-expression through art. By focusing on her unique strengths and aspirations, Sarah gradually rebuilds her self-belief and rekindles her drive to pursue her artistic goals, ultimately finding fulfillment and purpose in her creative journey.

Question 18

E.G: Cognitive perspective: focus on thought and memory

Answer 18

Dennis has a very high threshold level for Dopamine. As a result, his need for attention is greater than other people’s and he solves this by dying his hair and tattooing his body.

Question 19

E.G: Evolutionary perspective: focus on why we feel, think or behaviour

Answer 19

Dennis’ tall height and athleticism are traits that are naturally selected for. His ancestors were most likely tall and athletic as well.