Theories Flashcards
Who developed General Systems Theory?
Ludwig von Bertalanffy
Developed in 1940.
What is the key concept of systems theory?
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Define ‘System’ in the context of systems theory.
An entity that’s made up of interrelated/interdependent parts.
What does ‘homeostasis’ refer to in systems theory?
The state of steady conditions within a system.
True or False: Systems theory is an interdisciplinary study.
True.
What is a ‘feedback loop’?
When the outputs of a system ultimately affect its inputs.
Who is associated with Family Systems Theory?
Murray Bowen
Developed in the 1950s.
What does Family Systems Theory emphasize?
Interactions between people in a family and the context(s) in which that family is embedded.
Define ‘microsystem’ in ecological systems theory.
The system closest to the individual with direct interactions.
What does the ‘exosystem’ refer to?
A setting in which the person is not an active participant but still affects them.
Who developed the Person-In-Environment (PIE) Model?
Mary Richmond
Developed in 1917.
Fill in the blank: The Person-In-Environment theory emphasizes the importance of _______.
cultural competency.
What are the five levels of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory?
- Microsystem
- Mesosystem
- Exosystem
- Macrosystem
- Chronosystem
What does ‘adaptation’ mean in the context of PIE theory?
The act/process of changing oneself to meet environmental opportunities.
Who are the founders of Attachment Theory?
John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth
Developed in the 1930s.
What is the ‘pre-attachment stage’?
From birth to 3 months, infants do not show any particular attachment.
What is ‘disorganized attachment’?
Children display a confusing mix of behavior, seeming disoriented or dazed.
True or False: Securely attached children tend to develop better self-esteem.
True.
Define ‘social learning theory’.
The study of learned behaviors through observation, modeling, and imitation.
What is ‘classical conditioning’?
Learning through association, where two stimuli are linked to produce a new response.
What is the purpose of ‘aversion therapy’?
To reduce unwanted behavior by pairing it with an aversive stimulus.
Fill in the blank: Operant conditioning uses _______ and punishment to modify behavior.
rewards.
What does ‘extinction’ mean in behavior modification?
Stopping reinforcement of behavior to eliminate the response.
What are the four attachment styles identified in children?
- Secure attachment
- Ambivalent attachment
- Avoidant attachment
- Disorganized attachment
What is extinction in behavior modification?
Stopping reinforcement to eliminate unwanted behavior
An example of extinction is the time-out process, where an individual is removed from a reinforcing situation.
What does behavior modeling involve?
Learning through observation and modeling the behavior of others
This technique allows individuals to learn new skills or acceptable behaviors by watching someone else.
What are token economies?
A strategy where individuals earn tokens for preferred behaviors and lose tokens for undesirable behaviors
Tokens can be exchanged for rewards such as candy or toys.
Name a common issue addressed by social learning theory related to aggression.
Children learning aggressive behavior by observing adults
This is demonstrated in the Bobo doll experiment.
How does social learning theory explain criminal behavior?
Criminal behavior is theorized to be learned through societal attitudes and exposure to pro- or anti-crime ideologies
Social workers may examine the influence of friends and family on criminal behavior.
What is the focus of behaviorism?
All behaviors are acquired through conditioning via interaction with the environment
Behaviorists believe actions are shaped by environmental stimuli.
What is the goal of behavioral therapy?
To reinforce desirable behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones
Behavioral therapy is focused on teaching new behaviors to minimize or eliminate issues.
What does applied behavioral analysis use to modify behavior?
Operant conditioning
This approach shapes and modifies problematic behaviors.
Define cognitive restructuring.
A technique to change the way people think, especially for stress management
Involves identifying stress-inducing thoughts and replacing them with balanced thoughts.
What are the stages of Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory?
Sensorimotor, Pre-operational, Concrete operational, Formal operational
Each stage represents a different level of cognitive ability in children.
What is Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development focused on?
How children develop morality and moral reasoning
It includes six stages of moral development, emphasizing justice.
What is the Zone of Proximal Development?
The difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance
It highlights the importance of social interaction in learning.
What does social constructivism recognize?
Knowledge is embedded in social context
Human thoughts and behaviors arise from interactions with the external world.
What do social constructionists believe about societal norms?
They are socially created and not accurate reflections of reality
Constructs like gender and race are viewed as inventions of society.
True or False: Behavioral therapy is solely focused on cognitive processes.
False
Behavioral therapy primarily addresses behaviors, while cognitive therapy focuses on thoughts.
Fill in the blank: The __________ stage in Kohlberg’s theory involves individuals judging actions based on social contracts and individual rights.
Social contract and individual rights
This is Stage 5 of Kohlberg’s moral development.
