Psychology - Topic D: Definitions Flashcards
Association
The link between the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus that makes the neutral stimulus cause the same response.
Classical Conditioning
A learning process which builds up an association between two stimuli through repeated pairings.
Generalisation
When a conditioned response is produced to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.
Phobia
An intense fear that prevents ‘normal living’ in some way.
Extinction
The loss of a classically conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeated many times without the unconditioned stimulus.
Vicarious Reinforcement
Learning through the positive consequences of other people’s actions rather than firsthand - we are more likely to copy if they are rewarded.
Modeling
Imitating the behaviour of someone.
Preparedness
The tendency to learn some associations more easily, quickly and permanently than others.
Questionnaire
A research method using written questions.
Open(-ended) Questions
Question that asks for description and detail.
Closed Question
Simple question with few possible answers.
Likert-Style Question
Question using statements with five choices from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.
Rank-Style Question
Question with points either in order that can be chosen or that can be put in order.
Standardised Instructions
Guidance for participants that is the same for everyone.
Response Bias
The patterns that participants fall into when answering a questionnaire, for example always saying ‘yes’ or trying to guess the aim.
Social Desirability Bias
When participants give the answers they think will be acceptable to other people, to make themselves look better.
Anxiety
A state of fear or worry.
Hierarchy of Fears
A list of fears that are arranged form most to least feared.
Distressing
When a person is suffering physically or psychologically. They may feel harm, embarrassment or pain.
Right to Withdraw
The ability of a person to remove himself or herself from the situation.
Custom
A longstanding practice of a particular group of people.
Tradition
A practice that has been handed down through generations.
Social Norm
A behaviour or belief that is expected and accepted in a particular culture.
Collectivist
Describes a culture that encourages group dependence, cooperation and group identity, e.g. Japan. People rely on each other to achieve together.
Individualistic
Describes a culture that encourages independence, personal achievement, competition and individuality, e.g. the USA.
