Unit 7: Cognitive theories Flashcards
What interacts in the analysis and interpretation of stimuli and thoughts?
perceptual, attentional, emotional and memory processes
What did Tolman find out in animals?
don’t just learn simple associations, but also develop cognitive knowledge of environment
What is latent learning?
learning can occur without immediately manifesting itself in behaviour
Who came up with the concept of psychological distance and what does it mean?
Kurt Lewin
individuals perception of distance between current state and desired goal
Why is psychological distance important?
influences strength of motivation
the closer the goal the greater the motivation
What is the difference between aspiration levels and expectations?
aspiration levels: represent what an individual wants to achieve
expectations: individuals estimates of their ability to achieve those goals
What are values according to Rotter?
importance/ level of desire placed on specific goal in comparison to other possible goals
Rotter’s expectation value theory
expectations as subjective estimates of probability of achieving the goal
influenced by situational factors and past experiences
self-efficacy vital
What is self-efficacy?
person’s belief in their own competence to perform an activity in a reasonably acceptable manner
How do people evaluate their probability of success?
analysing value of goal and past experiences
Which aspects also get influenced by a person’s perceived probability of success?
emotional aspects that condition motivation
What can the presence of others cause?
activation of energy resources
-> increase motivation and performance
Duress effect
motivation and performance increase due to direct actions of others who compete on the same task
Audience effect
passive interactions with others (like observing) influence motivation and performance
Why doesn’t the presence of others always cause an improvement in motivation?
if sb doesn’t have the resources or capabilities
-> activation of response
-> decrease in motivation
=> social inhibition
Observer status
status of the observer impacts response activation
the higher the perceived status the greater the activation
What is diffusion of responsibility?
presence of others decreases sense of individual responsibility and perception of seriousness of the situation
-> lower likelihood of individual taking action in situation of need
Accordance
tendency to respond in manner consistent with the majority
-> individuals with low interest/ commitment most likely to conform
Obedience
Performance of actions by individuals in response to instruction of someone with power or authority
When is authority less likely to force a behaviour?
if the person executing the task has a connection to the victim of the behaviour
Cognitive consonance
harmonious relationship between thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and behaviours
Cognitive dissonance
conflicting relationship between thought, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour
What does cognitive dissonance cause?
experience of tensions, motivating individual to act
-> modifying/ reinterpreting belief, behaviour or attitude causing tension
-> seeking information justifying beliefs and behaviour
-> avoiding situations generating dissonance
What is flow?
an emotional state of intense gratification and fascination
connected to leisure and fun
What causes flow?
activity difficulty and individual’s skills balanced
-> maintains interest without frustration
Telic state
motivational state towards persistent activities directed towards achieving long-term goals
Paratelic state
motivational state towards immediate gratification
no prolonged effort
