Approaches Flashcards
Define introspection
Breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures- thoughts, images and sensations
- first systematic attempt
Describe Wundt’s contribution
- standardised procedures
- recorded their experiences of various stimuli - divide observations into thoughts, images and sensations
=structuralism
Evaluate Wundt’s research
- high internal validity:
well-controlled and standardised and lab based - data subjective - self report used cannot be generalised
What are the assumptions of the behaviourist approach
-observable+measurable behaviour
- rejected introspection
Too vague and difficult to measure
- lab studies for objectivity
-baby=blank slate - experience required
What is classical conditioning+supporting research
Learning by association. When 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together UCS and NS. NS eventually produces CR.
Pavlov’s dogs - salivate at the sound of a bell
What is operant conditioning+supporting research
Form of learning where behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences (positive, negative or punishment)
Skinner’s box
Define positive reinforcement
Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed
Define negative reinforcement
Behaviour that avoids something unpleasant. Outcome is a positive experience
What is a punishment
Unpleasant consequence of behaviour
Outline skinner’s box
A-rats/pigeons activate lever/peck disc- rewarded with food pellet
B-same behaviour=electric shock
Evaluate the behaviourist approach
- well controlled research
High internal validity - oversimplified learning process- ignores thought
- token economy systems- RWA, Classical Conditioning in treatment of phobias
- ignores free will-behaviour shaped by past learning experiences
- ethical issues: Skinner’s box
What are the assumptions of SLT?
- behaviour learned through experience but through observation and imitation
- learning occurs directly and indirectly
Define vicarious reinforcement
Reinforcement which is not directly experiences but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
Outline the meditational processes
- Attention- extent to which we notice certain behaviours
- retention- how well the behaviour is remembered
- Motor reproduction- ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
- Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour (outcome)
What is identification (SLT)?
More likely to imitate people they identify with -role model
-called modelling
Role model=similar characteristics to observer, attractive+of a higher status
Describe Bandura’s research
A= adult behaves aggressively to boba doll= children behave more aggressively to doll compared to other toys
B= video, praised, punished, no consequence- children given doll, g1=most aggression then g3, g2
Evaluate SLT
- more comprehensive explanation-recognises cognitive factors
-not enough biological (mirror neurons) - lab - demand characteristics boll made to hit
-RWA- explains cultural differences, gender roles, influence of media
-reciprocal determinism- influenced and influence environment- free will
What are the assumptions for the cognitive approach?
- Internal processes can and should be studied scientifically
- investigating memory, perception and thinking
-study them indirectly by making inferences
What is a schema?
A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing, they are developed through experience
What is the difference between theoretical and computer model
Theoretical model suggests the mind processes information in a systematic way (MSM) whereas the computer model suggests that the mind turns info into a format that can be stored (coding)- works like a computer
Cognitive neuroscience
-influence of brain structures on mental processes
- fMRI+PET scans - systematically observe and describe
- map causes for disorders
- brain fingerprinting
Evaluate the cognitive approach
-scientifically credible (cognitive neuroscience+lab studies to infer)
- but, can be too abstract + artificial stimuli
- RWA- treatment of depression+AI technology
- machine reductionism
- soft determinism
Evaluate the biological approach
- RWA:drugs to treat disorder
- don’t work for everyone
- scientific methods used (fMRI, EEG’s) -objective
- determinist- crime=crime gene? - too simplistic
- no evidence for natural selection
