Psychology - Topic D: Definitions

Question 0

Association

Answer 0

The link between the neutral stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus that makes the neutral stimulus cause the same response.

Question 1

Classical Conditioning

Answer 1

A learning process which builds up an association between two stimuli through repeated pairings.

Question 2

Generalisation

Answer 2

When a conditioned response is produced to stimuli that are similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Question 3

Phobia

Answer 3

An intense fear that prevents ‘normal living’ in some way.

Question 4

Extinction

Answer 4

The loss of a classically conditioned response when the conditioned stimulus is repeated many times without the unconditioned stimulus.

Question 5

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 5

Learning through the positive consequences of other people’s actions rather than firsthand - we are more likely to copy if they are rewarded.

Question 6

Modeling

Answer 6

Imitating the behaviour of someone.

Question 7

Preparedness

Answer 7

The tendency to learn some associations more easily, quickly and permanently than others.

Question 8

Questionnaire

Answer 8

A research method using written questions.

Question 9

Open(-ended) Questions

Answer 9

Question that asks for description and detail.

Question 10

Closed Question

Answer 10

Simple question with few possible answers.

Question 11

Likert-Style Question

Answer 11

Question using statements with five choices from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’.

Question 12

Rank-Style Question

Answer 12

Question with points either in order that can be chosen or that can be put in order.

Question 13

Standardised Instructions

Answer 13

Guidance for participants that is the same for everyone.

Question 14

Response Bias

Answer 14

The patterns that participants fall into when answering a questionnaire, for example always saying ‘yes’ or trying to guess the aim.

Question 15

Social Desirability Bias

Answer 15

When participants give the answers they think will be acceptable to other people, to make themselves look better.

Question 16

Anxiety

Answer 16

A state of fear or worry.

Question 17

Hierarchy of Fears

Answer 17

A list of fears that are arranged form most to least feared.

Question 18

Distressing

Answer 18

When a person is suffering physically or psychologically. They may feel harm, embarrassment or pain.

Question 19

Right to Withdraw

Answer 19

The ability of a person to remove himself or herself from the situation.

Question 20

Custom

Answer 20

A longstanding practice of a particular group of people.

Question 21

Tradition

Answer 21

A practice that has been handed down through generations.

Question 22

Social Norm

Answer 22

A behaviour or belief that is expected and accepted in a particular culture.

Question 23

Collectivist

Answer 23

Describes a culture that encourages group dependence, cooperation and group identity, e.g. Japan. People rely on each other to achieve together.

Question 24

Individualistic

Answer 24

Describes a culture that encourages independence, personal achievement, competition and individuality, e.g. the USA.