approaches Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is psychology?
The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context.
Define science.
A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. The aim is to discover general laws.
What is introspection?
The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations.
What does the behaviourist approach focus on?
Explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning.
Define classical conditioning.
Learning by association, occurring when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together - an unconditioned stimulus and a new ‘neutral’ stimulus.
What is operant conditioning?
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
What are the possible consequences of behaviour in operant conditioning?
- Positive reinforcement
- Negative reinforcement
- Punishment
What is reinforcement?
A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.
What is social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.
Define imitation.
Copying the behaviour of others.
What is identification in the context of social learning theory?
When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model.
What is modelling?
Imitating the behaviour of a role model.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour.
What are mediational processes?
Cognitive factors (i.e. thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.
Fill in the blank: Classical conditioning occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together - an unconditioned stimulus and a new _______.
[neutral stimulus]
True or False: Reinforcement can be both positive and negative.
True
What does the cognitive approach focus on?
How mental processes affect behaviour
The term ‘cognitive’ is associated with mental processes such as thoughts, perceptions, and attention.
Define internal mental processes.
‘Private’ operations of the mind such as perception and attention
These processes mediate between stimulus and response.
What is a schema?
A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing
Schemas are developed from experiences.
What is inference in cognitive psychology?
The process of drawing conclusions about mental processes based on observed behaviour
Define cognitive neuroscience.
The scientific study of biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
What does the biological approach emphasize?
The importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function
What are genes?
Units of heredity made up of DNA that code for physical and psychological features
Genes are inherited from parents to offspring.
What is a biological structure?
An arrangement or organization of parts to form an organ, system, or living thing
