PSY 102 Flashcards
What is behavior?
Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an organism, individual, or system in response to external or internal stimuli.
Characteristics of behavior
- OBSERVABLE AND MEASURABLE: Behavior can often be seen and quantified. This allows researchers and practitioners to study it systematically.
- CONTEXT-DEPENDENT: Behavior is influenced by the environment and situation in which it occurs. The same individual might behave differently in different contexts.
- PURPOSEFUL: Behavior usually serves a function or purpose, whether it’s to meet a need, achieve a goal, or respond to a stimulus.
- INFLUENCED BY INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL FACTORS: Behavior is affected by internal factors like thoughts, emotions, and biological processes, as well as external factors like social interactions and environmental conditions.
- LEARNED AND INNATE COMPONENTS: Some behaviors are learned through experience and conditioning, while others are innate or instinctual.
- ADAPTIVE: Behavior can change over time in response to new experiences, learning, and changes in the environment.
- VARIES ACROSS INDIVIDUALS: Different individuals exhibit different behaviors in similar situations due to unique genetic makeups, life experiences, and personal characteristics.
Biological determinants of human behavior
- GENETICS: Genetic makeup significantly influences behavior. Genes can affect personality traits, susceptibility to mental health disorders, intelligence, and other behavioral characteristics.
- NEUROTRANSMITTERS AND HORMONES: Chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and cortisol, play crucial roles in regulating mood, emotion, and behavior. Imbalances or alterations in these chemicals can impact behavior and mental health.
- BRAIN STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION: Different regions of the brain are associated with specific functions. For example, the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making and impulse control, while the amygdala is linked to emotional responses. Abnormalities or injuries in these areas can affect behavior.
- PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES: Basic physiological needs and states, such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and pain, can strongly influence behavior. These needs drive individuals to take actions to satisfy them.
- DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE: The stage of development, from infancy through adulthood, impacts behavior. For example, teenagers often exhibit risk-taking behaviors due to the ongoing development of the prefrontal cortex.
What is the socialization process?
The socialization process is the means by which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, norms, and behaviors that are considered appropriate in their society.
What is behavior formation in psychology?
Behavior formation in psychology refers to the processes through which behaviors are developed and established in individuals. It encompasses how behaviors are learned, reinforced and maintained, as well as how they change or adapt in response to various internal and external factors.
What is the psychology of individual differences?
The psychology of individual differences, also known as differential psychology, is the field of study that focuses on the ways in which individuals differ in their behavior, emotions, cognition, and personality.
What are personality disorders?
Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from the expectations of an individual’s culture.
Types of personality disorders
- Cluster A: Odd or Eccentric Disorders eg Paranoid personality disorder, Schizoid personality disorder
- Cluster B: Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders eg Antisocial personality disorder, Borderline personality disorder
- Cluster C: Anxious or Fearful Disorders eg Avoidant personality disorder, Obsessive compulsive personality disorder
What is stress?
Stress refers to a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.
Types of coping mechanisms?
- PROBLEM-FOCUSED COPING: This involves actively addressing the stressor itself.
- EMOTION-FOCUSED COPING: This focuses on regulating emotions associated with stress. Techniques might include relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation, or seeking social support to vent feelings.
- AVOIDANT COPING: This involves efforts to avoid or minimize thinking about the stressor.
- ADAPTIVE COPING: These are strategies that are generally considered positive and healthy in
the long term. Examples include seeking social support, engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking professional help when necessary. - MALADAPTIVE COPING: These are strategies that might provide short-term relief but can be
harmful in the long run. Examples include substance abuse, denial, or aggression towards others.
Factors that influence behavior ( Concept of determinants of behavior)
- Internal determinants like Biological, Cognitive, Emotional and Motivational factors.
- External determinants like Learning and environment, Social, Environmental, and Situational factors.
key aspects of behavior formation in psychology
- Learning and conditioning
- Reinforcement and punishment
- Social learning
- Cognitive processes
- Developmental factors
- Individual differences
- Environmental context
What are the big 5 personality traits?
- Openness to experience
- Conscientiousness
- Extraversion
- Agreeableness
- Neuroticism
5 psychologists in the field of individual differences
- Gordon Allport
- Raymond Cattel
- Hans Eysenck
- Robert Plomin
- Walter Mischel
Ways ICT has influenced behavior
- Faster and easier communication
- Unprecedented access to information, transforming learning and decision-making.
- Virtual connections and online communities altering social norms and relationships.
- Increased productivity through remote work, online collaboration tools, and automation.
- Changes in media consumption with streaming services, online gaming, and digital media.
- E-commerce revolutionizing shopping behaviors and influencing global trade practices.
