Sociology; Pysocology Flashcards
Behavioralism
Assumes all mental wants are determined by external physical events
Baddeley’s model of memory
Working memory consists of 4 components: a phonological loop, a visuospatial sketch a pad, an episodic buffer, & a central executive. The phonological loop allows us to repeat verbal info to help us remember it. The visuospatial sketch pad serves a similar purpose for visuospatial info through the use of mental images. The episodic buffer is where info in the working memory can interact w/ info in long term memory
Main theories of sociology
Functionalism
Social constructionalism
Symbolic interactionism
Conflict theory
Functionalism
Macro. Society as a living organism with many parts & organs, each with a distinct purpose. Individuals contribute to the whole. People rely upon each other for the proper functioning of society in a dynamic equilibrium. Durkheim believed that society should be viewed holistically as a collective of social facts such as laws, morals, values, religions, & other rules that make up a society, instead of a group of of individuals. Functions w/in society are either manifests functions, which are the intended consequences of a structure, or latent functions, the unintended or less recognizable functions. Social dysfunction is a process that leads to the breakdown of a society’s stability
Social constructionalism
Macro(?). People shape their reality actively through social interaction. A social construct is a concept or practice that is built by a group by agreeing to treat a certain aspect of society a particular way. Social construction is an active process
Symbolic interactionism
Micro. Society as a amalgamation of everyday interactions b/t individuals through language & symbols. Analyses society using the subjective meanings that people impose upon objects, events, & behaviors, & how these meanings are modified through interpretive thought. The dramaturgical approach is a specific interactionist theory that compares day to day of individuals to a theatrical performance
Conflict theory
Macro. Society as a competition for limited resources. Social structures & institutions reflect this competition in their degree of inherent inequality, leading some groups to obtain more resources than others. Groups in power maintain power by oppressing others. Focuses most specifically on discrepancies b/t dominant & disadvantaged groups. Karl Marx; Ludwig Gumplowicz & Max Weber expanded
Social institutions definitions
A complex of roles, norms, & values organized into a relatively stable form that contributes to social order by governing the behavior of people
Main examples of social institutions
Family: reproduction, protection, socialization, affection, & companionship, & social status
Education: systematically passes down knowledge & gives status to those who have been educated. Also transmits aspects of the dominant culture
Religion: can create social cohesion or dissent, social change or control, & can provide meaning & purpose for their believers
Government & economy: our political structures are influenced by social structures. Gov’ts may be rational-legal authority, traditional authority, or charismatic authority. Common economic institutions include capitalism or socialism
Coercive organization
Usually involuntary, often use force to create a strict environment of rules & regulations. Once an individual enters a coercive organization, he/she is not typically allowed to leave unless under special circumstances (e.g. Mental hospital)
Utilitarian organization
Organization where people joking w/ some sort of specific goal in mind - often to make money or otherwise invest in their own futures (e.g. Medical school)
Normative organization
Promotes some sort of social cause (e.g. Red Cross)
