AOS1 Test Flashcards
(39 cards)
Define overt behaviour
Observable behaviour such as talking or crying
Define psychology
The systematic study of the mind, mental process and behaviour.
Define covert behaviour
Private, internal behaviours which are not visible. Such as thinking and remembering: therefore can not be directly observed
Why is psychology a biological science ?
Through the evolutionary theory which consists of natural selection and the best survive. Physiology which consists of how the brain works
Why is psychology a social science
Studies within society which looks at influences how people think and behave. Recognising how behaviour is influenced by a person’s motive. Also considers nature vs nurture debate which considers biological or genetic influences or through environmental factors
What is social modelling
A type of social science
Learning by example through other peoples actions +behaviours eg. Bobo doll experiment
Classical theory of Aristotle
Reasoning and thinking took place in the heart and the brain was a large gland situated the head and cooled down the forces of life which descended from heaven into the body
Classical theory of Descartes
First to establish systematic description of the relationship between the mind and brain. He linked the the mind with the concepts of consciousness and self awareness and realised that the brain is the location of intelligence
Classical theory of Darwin
Theory of evolution. Believed animals and humans evolved and change through the process of natural selection
Classical theory of Wundt
The father of experimental psychology and modern psychology. Using structuralist approach to break things down and thought the human mind could be approached in the same manner and tried to explore the elements which made up consciousness
Classical theory of James
Interested in the function and purpose of consciousness. Known as functional approach. Believed human mind should be tested out of laboratories. He inspired intelligence test
Contemporary theory of behavioural perspective
Crated by John b Watson. Focused on nurture aspect of human development. Which placed greater importance on how environmental influences shape a person rather then genetics (nature)
Contemporary theory of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic perspective
Creator was sigmund Freud who invented psychoanalysis. Which was a new approach to treating physiological disorders. Formulated the theory that humans have a conscious mind.
Contemporary theory of cognitive perspective
Influenced by the development of information technology. Used the computer as a metaphor for the workings of the mind.
Contemporary theory of humanistic perspective
Deliberately less scientific in approach and preferred to explore a person’s individual conscious experience
Contemporary theory of biological perspective
Draws knowledge from medicine and physiology by examining central nervous system and endocrine system
Contemporary theory sociocultural perspective
Understands the importance of social and cultural differences between people and examine how a person’s beliefs, values and traditions influence their thoughts feelings and behaviour
Differences between psychologist and psychiatrist
Psychologist uni= 4 years and uses methods such CBT to retrain the brain in the way it thinks.
Psychiatrist uni = 6 years and can prescribe medicine and perform medical procedures.
Why is psychology considered a science
As it provides empirical evidence for the study of the mind and behaviour. It gathers factual information, forming theories to explain and test theories.
Scientific method
- Identify the area of research and form aim
- Collect information
- Identify research question and formulate hypothesis
- Design research method to test hypothesis
- Collect and analyse data
- Draw conclusion - accept/reject hypothesis
- Report findings
- Test conclusion
Define independent variable
The variable that is manipulated by the experimenter who then measures resulting changes in the dependent variable.
Define dependent variable
The property that is measured in psychological research, to look for effects of the independent variable.
Define Extraneous variable
A variable other than the independent variable that can cause change in the value of the dependent variable.
Define sample
The members of the population that have been chosen to take part in the experiment
