Approaches Flashcards
(80 cards)
1
Q
What is psychology?
A
The study of the human mind.
2
Q
What is science?
A
This is acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigations and creating general laws.
3
Q
Who was Wundt?
A
He is the father of psychology and the founder of introspection.
4
Q
What is introspection?
A
The first systematic and experimental attempt to study the mind and mental processes by recording conscious thoughts and them breaking down into basic structures of reflections, thoughts, images and sensations. They were recorded under strictly controlled conditions. It involves saying everything that comes to mind when doing an activity. They should keep talking even if it’s not clear.
5
Q
Advantages of introspection. (3)
- approaches
- scientific
- cause
A
- it has helped to develop other approaches in Psychology like the cognitive and behavioural approach.
- it is extremely scientific
- cause and effect can be established
6
Q
Disadvantages of introspection. (3)
- subjective
- works
A
- the data is subjective
- it doesn’t explain how the mind works
7
Q
What is behaviourist approach?
A
It suggests that behaviour is learnt.
8
Q
What is classical conditioning?
A
This is learning by association.
9
Q
What is Pavlov’s dog experiment?
A
The unconditioned stimulus (food) produced the unconditioned response (salivation). It was paired with a neutral stimulus (bell) repeatedly until an association was built. Then the conditioned stimulus (bell) was presented alone and produced a conditioned response (salivation).
10
Q
Advantage of classical conditioning. (1)
- laboratory
A
- it was done in a laboratory setting so extraneous variables are highly controlled and it is replicable
11
Q
Disadvantages of classical conditioning. (2)
- adults
- biological
A
- it explains learning in animals and children but not adults
- it ignores the biological approach
12
Q
What is operant conditioning?
A
This is how behaviour is maintained.
13
Q
What is positive reinforcement?
A
This is when a positive reward is received for doing desired behaviour.
14
Q
What is negative reinforcement?
A
This is performing behaviour to avoid a punishment.
15
Q
What is skinners box experiment?
A
Skinners box was a cage with loud speakers, lights, a lever, a door and an electrifiable floor. A hungry rat was placed inside and when it’d accidentally press the lever, they were rewarded with a food pellet. This is positive reinforcement. They would continue to press the lever for a reward. Then if the rat pressed the lever they were electrified. Then they wouldn’t press the lever to avoid being electrified. This is negative reinforcement.
16
Q
Advantages of operant conditioning. (1)
- laboratory
A
- it is a laboratory experiment so is highly controlled
17
Q
Disadvantages of operant conditioning. (2)
- will
- ethical
A
- it ignored free will
- it has ethical issues.
18
Q
What is the social learning theory?
A
This is learning new patterns of behaviour through immitation.
19
Q
What is Bandura’s theory of social learning? (MIIVM)
A
- Modelling- a living or symbolic model is needed to carry out the behaviour.
- Imitation
- Identification
- Vicarious reinforcement
- Mediational processes- (ARMM)
20
Q
What does the imitation stage of social learning involve?
A
The person copies the behaviour of others. This is more rapid and depends on the characteristics of the model, performance ability and consequences.
21
Q
What is involved in the identification stage of social learning?
A
This is the extent to which the observer related to the model and feels he or she is similar to them. They want the same outcomes as them. Children identify with the model of the same sex as them.
22
Q
What is involved in the vicarious reinforcement stage of social learning?
A
The person observes the consequences of the behaviour through the model. If the model receives rewards then the child is more likely to imitate.
23
Q
What is the mediational processes stage of social learning?
A
The observer must form a mental representation of the behaviour being displayed and the likely consequences in terms of expectancies. They may display the learned behaviour expecting a positive consequence but get a negative one. There are four points it involves; attention which means they must pay attention and notice the behaviour, retention which means they must remember the behaviour, motor reproduction which means they must be able to perform the behaviour, and motivation which means they must be willing to perform for a reward.
24
Q
Advantages of the social learning theory. (3)
- bobo
- criminals
- game
A
- Bandura’s bobo doll experiment
- criminals engage in more crime if they are exposed to a model they identify with and if they see rewards.
- observers played a video game as characters that looked like them and they were more likely to engage in the same kind of behaviours.
25
Disadvantages of the social learning theory. (2)
- cause
- biological
- cause and effect isn’t clear
| - it ignores the biological approach
26
What is the cognitive approach?
This focuses on attention, memory, how we perceive, store, manipulate and interpret information.
27
What is the information processing model?
This suggests that the input is when senses code information from the environment, then this information is processed via schemas and finally the output is the behavioural response that occurs.
28
What are schemas?
These are cognitive frameworks that are developed through experiences and expectations of behaviour. They can cause us to exclude anything that doesn’t conform to them. There are role schemas and event schemas. They are used to help remember and interpret information. It is important when studying mental processes. People recall information in a way that first their schemas and these may distort their memories.
29
Advantages of schemas. (2)
- impressions
- CBT
- it explains how we form impressions of other people and the development of negative thinking.
- it has been a big influence on the development of cognitive neuroscience and CBT
30
Disadvantages of schemas. (2)
- biological
- distort
- it ignores the biological approach
| - it distorts memory and this could affect eyewitness testimony
31
What are role schemas?
These are behaviours expected from someone in a particular role.
32
What are event schemes?
These are about what to expect from an event.
33
What is cognitive neuroscience?
This is the study of the influence of the brain structure on mental processes. The area of the brain can be mapped and specific cognitive functions can be located.
34
What is functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)?
This detects changes in blood oxygenation and flow occurring. When the brain is more active it consumes more oxygen. This is used to produce activation maps.
35
What is Postrison Emission Tomography (PET)?
These produce 3D images. They detect radiation given off by a substance injected into the arm. This is a radiotracer. It is used to help plan operations and detects cancer.
36
What model is used to link theoretical computers to the human mind?
The information processing model.
37
Advantage of cognitive neuroscience. (1)
| - determinism
- it has soft determinism because it takes free will into account
38
Disadvantages of cognitive neuroscience. (2)
- reductionist
- mechanist
- it is reductionist
| - it is mechanist
39
What are genetics?
This is the extent to which a psychological characteristic is determined by genes. This is studied by studying twins. They look at the concordance rates, which is the chance that both twins have a certain trait.
40
What is the twins study by Gottesman and Shields?
224 sets of twins; 106 were MZ and 118 were DZ, 120 were male and 104 were female; from the Maudsley twin register were studied. The average age was 48 and they were from a range of different ethnicities. It was a longitudinal study done in London over 25 years to study concordance rates. One of the twins already had schizophrenia and they used in depth interviews, doctors case notes and the DSM.
41
What were the results of the twin study by Gottesman and Shields?
48% of MZ twins were both concordant and 17% of DZ twins were both concordant. Thus suggests that schizophrenia does have a genetic basis, especially for MZ twins but this is less prominent for DZ twins.
42
Advantages of genetics. (1)
| - scientific
- gene mapping is highly scientific and object.
43
Disadvantages of genetics. (2)
- reductionist
- 100%
- it is reductionist
| - concordance rates are never 100%
44
What is the evolution theory by Charles Darwin?
This is focused on natural selection and adaptiveness. The genetic makeup of a person undergoes random change and mutation because of the environment. This leads to a behaviour change in future generations of offspring. This means that survival and chances of reproduction are greater so genes are adaptive. This is important for competing with resources.
45
Advantage of evolution. (1)
| - nature
- it supports the nature side of the nature nurture debate.
46
Disadvantages of evolution. (2)
- how
- behaviourist
- it doesn’t explain how or why they are adaptive
| - it ignores the behaviourist approach.
47
What is the biological approach?
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, controlling breathing and heart rate. The PNS sends and receives messages from the CNS to the rest of the body. Neurons transmit nerve impulses. The left and right hemispheres have four lobes. The cerebrum is covered by the cerebral cortex, and is responsible for high order thinking and language. The endocrine system is a series is ductless glands that release hormones. For example testosterone increases aggression levels.
48
Advantage of the biological approach. (1)
| - scientific
- this is all scientifically and objectively measured.
49
Disadvantage of the biological approach. (2)
- cause
- know
- cause and effect isn’t clear
| - we still don’t know 100% about the brain
50
What is neurochemistry?
This involves hormones and neurotransmitters. Hormones travel through the blood. Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that communicate information throughout the brain and body. They relay signals between neurons and dopamine is an example. This helps control the brains rewards and pleasure centres and helps regulate movements and emotional responses. The nerve impulse reaches the end of the neuron and neurotransmitters are released. They then diffuse across the synapse. Some are excitatory and some are inhibitory.
51
Advantage of neurochemistry. (1)
| - scientific
- this is objectively and scientifically measured
52
Disadvantages of neurochemistry. (2)
- cause
- reductionist
- cause and effect isn’t clear
| - this is reductionist
53
What is the psychodynamic approach?
Freud believed that behaviour is determined by psychological factors.
54
What is the role of unconsciousness?
There are three levels to the mind. The conscious mind which contains thoughts and feelings that a person is currently aware of, the preconscious mind which contains thoughts, feelings and memories a person could access if they wanted and the unconscious mind which is the largest part of the brain and is inaccessible. Most of everyday actions and behaviours are a product of this. It reveals itself in slips of the tongue, which are called Freudian slips. The mind actively prevents traumatic thoughts, feelings and memories in the unconscious from reaching the conscious as this would cause the person anxiety.
55
What is the structure of personality?
Personality is made up of three parts. The id, the ego and the superego.
56
What is the id?
This forms at 18 months and contains the libido and aggressive drives. It operates in the unconscious mind and on the pleasure principle, which means it wants immediate gratification regardless of the circumstances. It is irrational.
57
What is the ego?
This is rational and mediated between the impulsive demands of the id and reality so it operated in the reality principle. It compromises between the id and the moralistic demands of the superego. It develops between 18 months and 3 years and it operates in the conscious mind.
58
What is the superego?
It is divided into the conscience and the ego ideal, which is what a person strives towards and is determined by parental standards of good behaviour. It is the internalisation of societal rules. It determines which behaviours are acceptable and causes guilt when rules are broken. It first emerges between 3 years and 6 years and operates in the unconscious mind.
59
What are defence mechanism?
These are triggered when an individual is unable to cope rationally with a traumatic experience. This stops the individual from becoming consciously aware of unpleasant thoughts, feelings, motives or memories. The different types are repression, denial, and displacement.
60
What is repression?
This is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts and impulses. These continue to influence behaviour without the person being aware of the reasons behind the behaviour.
61
What is denial?
This is the refusal to crept reality to avoid dealing with painful feelings associated with the trauma. They act as if the traumatic experience hasn’t happened yet or they may do something bizarre.
62
What is displacement?
This is redirecting hostile thoughts or feelings the person is unable to express in the presence of the trigger. This is directed into helpless victims or objects.
63
What are the psychosexual stages?
These are five stages of the development of personality. The most important driving force is the libido. The individual experiences tensions due to the build up of sexual and energy and they get pleasure from the release of this tension. The stages are the oral (0-2 years), anal (2-3 years), phallic (3-6 years), latent (6-12 years), and genital (12+years).
64
What happens during the oral stage of psychosexual development?
This happens during 0-2 years. The mouth is the point of sensation. This is the way in which the child expresses sexual energy, through sucking and biting.
65
What happens in the anal stage of psychosexual development?
This happens during 2-3 years. It is the beginning of the ego development. The child becomes more aware of demands of reality the need to conform to the demands of others. Toilet training is the major issue as this is when the child learns to control the expulsion of bodily waste.
66
What happens during the phallic stage of psychosexual development?
This happens during 3-6 years and is focused on the genitals. The major issue is the Oedipus complex. This is when the male child unconsciously wishes to possess their mother and get rid of their father. They experience castration anxiety, which is when they fear their father will punish them for their desire of their mother by cutting off their penis. To avoid this the child internalises the fathers values, creating the superego. Girls experience the Electra complex, which is where they don’t internalise their mothers values so have a less developed superego.
67
What happens during the latent stage of psychosexual development?
This happens during 6-12 years. The conflicts and issues of the previous stages are repressed with the consequence that the child is unable to remember it.
68
What happens during the genital stage of psychosexual development?
This happens during 12+ years. This eventually directs us towards sexual intercourse and the beginning of adulthood.
69
Advantages of the psychodynamic approach. (2)
- treatments
- link
- this is the first to demonstrate psychological treatments
| - this is the first to demonstrate a link between childhood experience, relationship with parents and adult experiences.
70
Disadvantages of the psychodynamic approach. (3)
- unrepresentative
- unfalsifiable
- will
- these ideas were only based on his patients and they were all psychologically abnormal so this is unrepresentative.
- these ideas are difficult to test and unfalsifiable.
- this demonstrates a lack of free will.
71
What is the humanistic approach?
This emphasises that people have free will. It suggests that we are all subject to many forces but are still able to make significant personal choices.
72
What is Maslow’s theory?
He was interested in fun doing out what could go right with people. He constructed a hierarchy of needs which emphasised the importance of personal growth and how to fulfil them. This caused other theories to develop like positive psychology.
73
What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
This includes the most basic needs, which are at the bottom, and the most important, which are at the top. People are motivated to achieve progression. Each level must be fulfilled before a person can move up to a higher need. The more basic the need, the more powerfully its experienced and the more difficult it is to ignore. At the bottom it is physiological needs, then safety, love/belonging, esteem and self actualisation.
74
What is self actualisation?
When a person reaches their full potential and is the best version of themselves. Most of these people share characteristics, e.g they are creative, accepting of others and have accurate perceptions. They are the most experienced in peak experiences, like moments of extreme inspiration and ecstasy, where they felt able to leave behind all doubts, fears and inhibitions.
75
What is the humanistic idea of the focus on self?
We have two basic needs; positive regards from other and feeling of self worth. Feelings of self worth develop in childhood as a result of the child’s interactions with their parents. It is also influences by further interactions with significant others.
76
What is congruence?
If there is a similarity between a persons perceived self and ideal self then this is congruence. Incongruence is if there is a difference. The closer we are to our ideal self, the higher our feelings is self worth are. Complete congruence is rare because there are inconsistencies and we may use defence mechanisms to feel less threatened by these inconsistencies between our perceived and ideal selves.
77
What are conditions of wealth?
Unconditional love and acceptance/unconditional positive regard is given when a person is accepted for who they are and what they do. Conditional positive regard is when a person has conditions of worth, which is when a person is accepted if they do what others want them to. These are conditions people perceive their significant others put on them and they must be put in place to be accepted. The individual can only reach self acceptance if they meet the expectations others have set as conditions of acceptance.
78
What is counselling psychology?
An individuals psychological problems are a direct result of conditional positive regard from others, counselling allows them to solve their own problems in a constructive way and helps them achieve better functioning. Humanists regard themselves as guides to help people understand themselves and find ways of reaching self actualisation. They provide empathy and unconditional positive regard through expressing understanding and acceptance. They provide a supportive environment and help dissolve the clients conditions of worth. The client can then move towards being more true to themselves.
79
Advantage of the humanistic approach. (1)
| - teenagers
- teenagers who have a need to fulfil expectations to gain approval from their parents (conditional positive regard) don’t like themselves. Those who pretend to be this person are more likely to become depressed.
80
Disadvantages of the humanistic approach. (4)
- cause
- abstract
- pessimism
- China
- it is not scientific and cause and effect cannot be established. People experience personal growth after counselling but it is not caused by counselling.
- it contains abstract ideas that are difficult to test like self actualisation and congruence so it is limited.
- it has an overly idealised and unrealistic view of human nature. It ignores the idea that people are not always good. It ignores pessimism and self destruction.
- the hierarchy of needs is different in some cultures and some needs are absent. In China, belongingness is more important than physiological needs and self actualisation is contribution to the community not individual development.
