Approaches

Question 1

Introspection

Answer 1

The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations.

Question 2

Behaviourist approach

Answer 2

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning.

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through association. Occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together.

Question 4

Operant conditioning

Answer 4

Learning through consequences (rewards and punishments).

Question 5

Reinforment

Answer 5

A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated.

Question 6

Social learning theory

Answer 6

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 7

Identification

Answer 7

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them.

Question 8

Modelling (observer)

Answer 8

Imitating the behaviour of the role model.

Question 9

Modelling (role model)

Answer 9

The precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Question 10

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 10

Reinforcement which is not directly experience but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour.

Question 11

Mediational processes

Answer 11

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.

Question 12

Cognitive approach

Answer 12

An approach to psychology that focuses on how our mental processes (e.g. thoughts, perceptions, attention) affect behaviour).

Question 13

Internal mental processes

Answer 13

‘Private’ operations of the mind such as perception and attention that mediate between stimulus and response.

Question 14

Schema

Answer 14

A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. They are developed from experience.

Question 15

Inference

Answer 15

The process whereby cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour.

Question 16

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 16

The scientific study of those biological structures that underpin cognitive processes.

Question 17

Biological approach

Answer 17

A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body, such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 18

Genes

Answer 18

They make up chromosomes and consist of DNA which codes for the physical features of an organism (e.g. eye colour) and psychological features (e.g. mental disorders). They are transmitted from parent to offspring.

Question 19

Genotype

Answer 19

The particular set of genes a person possesses.

Question 20

Phenotype

Answer 20

The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and the environment.

Question 21

Evolution

Answer 21

The changes in inherited characteristics in a biological population over successive generations.

Question 22

Central nervous system (CNS)

Answer 22

Consists of the brain and the spinal cord and is the origin of all complex commands and decisions.

Question 23

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Answer 23

Sends information to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body. Made up of the SNS and ANS.

Question 24

Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Answer 24

Transmits information from receptor cells in the sense organs to the CNS. It also receives information from the CNS that directs muscles to act.

Question 25

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Answer 25

Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is 'autonomic' as the system operates involuntarily. It is made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 26

Neuron

Answer 26

The basic building blocks of the nervous system. Neurons are nerve cells that process and transmit messages through electrical signals.

Question 27

Sensory neurons

Answer 27

These carry messages from the PNS to the CNS. They have long dendrites and short axons.

Question 28

Relay neurons

Answer 28

These connect the sensory neurons to the motor or other relay neurons. They have short dendrites and short axons.

Question 29

Motor neurons

Answer 29

These connect the CNS to effectors such as muscles and glands. They have short dendrites and long axons.

Question 30

Psychodynamic approach

Answer 30

A perspective that describes the different forces (dynamics), most of which are unconscious, that operate on the mind and direct human behaviour and experiences.

Question 31

The unconscious

Answer 31

The part of the mind that we are unaware of but which directs much of our behaviour.

Question 32

Id

Answer 32

Entirely unconscious, the Id is made up of selfish, aggressive instincts that demand immediate gratification.

Question 33

Ego

Answer 33

The 'reality check' that balances the conflicting demands of the Id and Superego.

Question 34

Superego

Answer 34

The moralistic part of our personality which represents the ideal self (how we ought to be).

Question 35

Defence mechanisms

Answer 35

Unconscious strategies that the Ego uses to manage the conflict between the Id and Superego.

Question 36

Psychosexual stages

Answer 36

Five developmental stages that all children pass through. At each stage there is a different conflict, the outcome of which determines future development.

Question 37

Humanistic psychology

Answer 37

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasises the importance of of subjective experience and each person's capacity for self-determination.

Question 38

Free will

Answer 38

The notion that humans can make choices and are not determined by internal biological or external forces.

Question 39

Self-actalisation

Answer 39

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one's full potential.

Question 40

Hierarchy of needs

Answer 40

A five-levelled hierarchical sequence in which basic physiological needs (such as hunger) must be satisfied before higher psychological needs (such as self esteem and self-actualisation) can be achieved.

Question 41

Self

Answer 41

The ideas and values that characterise 'I' and 'me' and includes perception and valuing of 'what I am' and 'what I can do'.

Question 42

Congruence

Answer 42

The aim of Rogerian therapy, when the self-concept and the ideal self are seen to broadly accord or match.

Question 43

Conditions of worth

Answer 43

When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of their children.