Approaches in psychology key terms (paper 2)

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

Psychology?

Answer 2

The scientific study of the mind, behaviour and experience.

Question 3

Science?

Answer 3

Means acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation.

Question 4

Behavioural approach?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Classical conditioning?

Answer 5

Learning by association. Occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together. Unconditioned stimulus and neutral stimulus.

Question 6

Operant conditioning?

Answer 6

A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.

Question 7

Reinforcement?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Social learning theory?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Imitation?

Answer 9

Copying the behaviour of others.

Question 10

Identification?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Modelling?

Answer 11

From the observers perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model and vice versa.

Question 12

Vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Meditational processes?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Cognitive approach?

Answer 14

The term ‘cognitive’ has come to mean ‘mental processes’, so this approach is focused on how our mental processes affect behaviour.

Question 15

Internal mental processes?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Schema?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Inference?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Biological approach?

Answer 19

A perspective that emphasis the importance of physical process in the body such as genetic inheritance and neural function.

Question 20

Genes?

Answer 20

The makeup of chromosomes and consists of DNA which codes the physical feature of an organism and psychological features.

Question 21

Biological structure?

Answer 21

An arrangement or organisation of parts to form an organ, system or living thing.

Question 22

Neurochemistry?

Answer 22

Relating to chemicals in the brain that regulate psychological functioning.

Question 23

Genotype?

Answer 23

The particular set of genes that a person possesses.

Question 24

Phenotype?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Evolution?

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Nervous system?

Answer 26

Consists of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Communicates using electrical signals.

Question 27

Central nervous system?

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Peripheral nervous system?

Answer 28

Sends information to the CNS from the outside world, and transmits messages from the CNS to muscles and glands in the body.

Question 29

Somatic nervous system?

Answer 29

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 30

Autonomic nervous system?

Answer 30

Transmits information to and from internal bodily organs. It is ‘autonomic’ as the system operates involuntary.

Question 31

Neuron?

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Sensory neurons?

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Psychodynamic approach?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

The unconscious?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Id?

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Ego?

Answer 36

The ‘reality check’ that balances the conflicting demands of the Id and the superego.

Question 37

Superego?

Answer 37

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

Question 38

Defence mechanisms?

Answer 38

Unconscious strategies that the ego uses to manage the conflict between the Id and the superego.

Question 39

Psychosexual stages?

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Humanistic psychology?

Answer 40

An approach to understanding behaviour that emphasis the importance of subjective experience and each persons capacity and for self-determination.

Question 41

Free will?

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Self-actualisation?

Answer 42

The desire to grow psychologically and fulfils ones full potential - becoming what you are capable of.

Question 43

Hierarchy of needs?

Answer 43

A five-levelled hierarchal sequence in which basic psychological needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs and can be achieved.

Question 44

Self?

Answer 44

The ideas and values that characterise ‘i’ and ‘me’ and includes perception and valuing of ‘what i am’ and ‘what i can do’.

Question 45

Congruence?

Answer 45

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

Question 46

Conditions of worth?

Answer 46

When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of the of their children. For instance, a parent saying to a child “i will only love you if you study medicine”..