Apporaches key terms

Question 1

Empiricism

Answer 1

The Belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience, it is generally categorised by the use of the scientific method in psychology

Question 2

Introspection

Answer 2

The process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts and feelings

Question 3

Scientific method

Answer 3

Refers to the use of the investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods

Question 4

Behaviourist

Answer 4

People who believe that human behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning without the need to consider thoughts or feelings

Question 5

Classical Conditioning

Answer 5

When a neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually on takes on the properties of this stimulus and is able to produce a conditioned response

Question 6

Operant Conditioning

Answer 6

learning through reinforcement or punishment if a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence then that behaviour is more likely to occur again in the future

Question 7

Punishment

Answer 7

involves the application of an unpleasant consequence following a behaviour with the result that the behaviour is less likely to occur again in the future

Question 8

Reinforcement

Answer 8

A term used in psychology to refer to anything that strengthens a response and increases the likelihood that it will occur again in the future

Question 9

Identification

Answer 9

is a form of influence where an individual adopts an attitude or behaviour as they want to be associated with a particular person or group

Question 10

Imitation

Answer 10

the action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour

Question 11

Mediational processes

Answer 11

refers to the internal mental processes that exist between environmental stimuli and the response made by an individual to those stimuli

Question 12

Modelling

Answer 12

a form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour

Question 13

Social Learning theory

Answer 13

Learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded

Question 14

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 14

Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour but through observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour

Question 15

Cognitive

Answer 15

refers to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning

Question 16

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 16

an area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions

Question 17

Computer model

Answer 17

refers to the processes of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition

Question 18

Inference/Inferring

Answer 18

means reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 19

Schema

Answer 19

A cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information ion the brain, schemas help an individual to make sense of new information

Question 20

Theoretic models

Answer 20

in cognitive psychology models are simplified usually pictorial representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence

Question 21

Biological approach

Answer 21

view humans as biological organism and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning

Question 22

Evolution

Answer 22

refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic make-up of a particular population

Question 23

Gene

Answer 23

A part of the chromosomes of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA

Question 24

Genotype

Answer 24

the genetic make-up of an individual

Question 25

Natural selection

Answer 25

The process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individuals reproductive success are passed on to the next generation so become widespread

Question 26

Neurochemistry

Answer 26

the study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system

Question 27

Phenotype

Answer 27

The observable characteristics of an individual, this is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment

Question 28

Defence mechanisms

Answer 28

unconscious strategies that protect our conscious mind from anxiety - distort reality in a way in which we can cope

Question 29

Psychoanalysis

Answer 29

a term used to describe the personality theory and therapy associated with Sigmund Freud

Question 30

Psychodynamic

Answer 30

refers to any theory that emphasises change and development in the individual particularly those theories where the drive is a central concept in development

Question 31

Unconscious

Answer 31

The part of the human mind that contains repressed ideas and memories as well as primitive desires and impulses that have never been allowed to enter the conscious mind

Question 32

Conditions of worth

Answer 32

conditions imposed on an individuals behaviour and development that are considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others

Question 33

Congruence

Answer 33

If a similarity exists between a persons ideal self and self-image a state of congruence exists - a difference represents a state of incongruence

Question 34

Free will

Answer 34

The ability to act at one’s own discretion - to chose how to behave without being influenced by external forces

Question 35

Hierarchy of needs

Answer 35

the motivational theory proposed by Abraham Maslow - often displayed as a pyramid

Question 36

Humanistic

Answer 36

Refers to the belief that human beings are born with the desire to grow, create and to love

Question 37

Self

Answer 37

our personal identity used to synonymously with the terms self-image and self-concept

Question 38

Self-actualisation

Answer 38

the drive to realise ones true potential, or the final stage of the hierarchy of needs