Psychology (3) Flashcards
(234 cards)
What is the main goal when conducting an experiment?
To determine the effect of the independent variable (IV) on the dependent variable (DV)
This involves controlling the environment and manipulating the IV while measuring the DV.
What does controlling the world in an experiment entail?
Controlling the world involves manipulating the IV(s) and measuring the DV
This is essential for establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.
What is the relationship between IV and DV?
The independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable (DV)
Understanding this relationship is crucial for determining causation.
What is a potential drawback of focusing too much on causation in experiments?
It can lead to tunnel vision
This means researchers may overlook other important factors or variables.
Fill in the blank: The search for the _______ can result from an overemphasis on causation.
magic bullet
This term refers to a singular solution or factor that resolves a complex issue.
What is reductionism?
The idea that everything can be reduced to its simplest form.
This concept implies that complex phenomena can be understood by examining their basic components.
In reductionism, how are behaviors viewed?
Behaviors are simply the sum of their parts.
This means that behaviors can be analyzed by breaking them down into simpler elements.
How does reductionism apply to physics?
Everything is made of particles, and can be explained via particle interactions.
This perspective focuses on the fundamental building blocks of matter.
How does reductionism apply to psychology?
A behavior can be reduced to its simplest cause.
This suggests that complex behaviors can be traced back to basic psychological triggers.
What is a good example of reductionism in psychology?
Behaviorism.
Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and their relationship to stimuli and responses.
In the context of behaviorism, what are the two main components?
Stimulus and Response.
This framework emphasizes the relationship between external stimuli and the behavioral responses they elicit.
What is the perspective of biological psychology?
Biological psychology could be considered reductionist
This perspective suggests that behaviors can be explained solely in terms of biology.
What fundamental premise does biological psychology rely on?
We are biological organisms
This premise underlines the belief that biological factors play a crucial role in influencing behavior.
How can all behaviors be explained according to biological psychology?
In terms of our biology
This means that psychological phenomena are linked to biological processes.
What is an example used to illustrate a biological process in psychology?
Reflex arch
A reflex arc demonstrates how biological responses occur without conscious thought.
What happens when a hot stimulus is contacted according to biological psychology?
Receptors feel the threat
This initiates a series of biological responses that lead to movement.
What is the sequence of events after contacting a hot stimulus?
- Nerve impulse to CNS
- Nerve impulse back from CNS
- Movement
This sequence illustrates the biological basis of reflex actions.
True or False: All of psychology can be reduced to biology.
False
While biological psychology emphasizes biology, not all psychological phenomena can be fully explained by biological factors.
What does Burwood et al. (1999) suggest about reductionism?
All behaviours need to be explainable by the lowest property
This implies that higher properties do not play a role in understanding behaviour.
What does the concept of reductionism imply about higher properties?
Higher properties don’t play a role
This perspective limits the understanding of complex behaviours.
What is an example of a feeling that raises questions about reductionism?
Feeling conscious
This suggests a conflict between biological determinism and the experience of consciousness.
What assumption do we make about consciousness in relation to decision-making?
We feel conscious and free to make decisions
This assumption challenges the reductionist perspective.
If biology is the only cause of behaviour, what question arises about consciousness?
Are we really conscious?
This question highlights the tension between biological determinism and subjective experience.
What term describes consciousness as a by-product of biological processes?
Epiphenomena
This concept suggests that consciousness may not have a causal role in behaviour.