Approaches key terms

Question 1

Empiricism

Answer 1

The belief that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience. It is generally characterised by the use of the scientific method in psychology

Question 2

Introspection

Answer 2

The process by which a person gains knowledge about his or her own mental and emotional states as a result of the examination or observation of their conscious thoughts and feelings

Question 3

Scientific method

Answer 3

Refers to the use of investigative methods that are objective, systematic and replicable, and the formulation, testing and modification of hypotheses based on these methods

Question 4

Determinism

Answer 4

All behaviour is seen as being caused

Question 5

Predictability

Answer 5

It is possible to predict how human beings behave in different conditions

Question 6

Behaviourist

Answer 6

People who believe that human behaviour can be explained in terms of conditioning, without the need to consider thoughts or feelings

Question 7

Classical Conditioning

Answer 7

When a neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it eventually takes on the properties of this stimulus and is able to produce a conditioned response

Question 8

Punishment

Answer 8

Involves the application of an unpleasant consequence following a behaviour, with the result that the behaviour is likely to occur again in the future

Question 9

Reinforcement

Answer 9

A term used in psychology to refer to anything that strengthens a response and increases the likelihood that it will occur again in the future

Question 10

Positive reinforcement

Answer 10

Occurs when behaviour produces a consequence that is satisfying or pleasant e.g. food to a hungry animal or praise give to a child after they do something well

Question 11

Negative reinforcement

Answer 11

They remove something unpleasant and so restore the organism to the pre aversive state e.g. hitting an off button on an alarm clock allows a person to escape from the unpleasant ringing and restores the restful state before the alarm

Question 12

Identification

Answer 12

Is a form of influence where an individual adopts an attitude or behaviour because they want to be associated with a particular person or group

Question 13

Imitation

Answer 13

The action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour

Question 14

Meditational process

Answer 14

Refer to the internal processes that exist between environment stimuli and the response made by an individual to those stimuli

Question 15

Social Learning Theory

Answer 15

Learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded

Question 16

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 16

Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour, but through observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour

Question 17

Cognitive

Answer 17

Relates to mental processes such as perception, memory and reasoning

Question 18

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 18

An area of psychology dedicated to the underlying neural bases of cognitive functions

Question 19

Computer model

Answer 19

Refers to the process of using computer analogies as a representation of human cognition

Question 20

Inference/Inferring

Answer 20

Means reaching a logical conclusion on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Question 21

Schema

Answer 21

A cognitive framework that helps to organise and interpret information in the brain. Schemas help an individual to make sense of new information

Question 22

Theoretical Models

Answer 22

In cognitive psychology, models are simplified, usually pictorial, representations of a particular mental process based on current research evidence

Question 23

Biological Approach

Answer 23

Views humans as biological organisms and so provides biological explanations for all aspects of psychological functioning

Question 24

Evolution

Answer 24

Refers to the change over successive generations of the genetic makeup of a particular population. The central idea behind the evolutionary perspective is that the genotype of a population is changeable rather than fixed, and that this change is likely to be caused by the process of natural selection

Question 25

Gene

Answer 25

A part of the chromosome of an organism that carries information in the form of DNA

Question 26

Genotype

Answer 26

The genetic make-up of an individual. The genotype Is a collection of inherited genetic material that is passed from generation to generation

Question 27

Natural selection

Answer 27

The process by which inherited characteristics that enhance an individual’s reproductive success or fitness are passed on to the next generation, and so become more widespread in the population over time

Question 28

Neurochemistry

Answer 28

The study of chemical and neural processes associated with the nervous system

Question 29

Phenotype

Answer 29

The observable characteristics of an individual. This is a consequence of the interaction of the genotype with the environment

Question 30

Defence mechanisms

Answer 30

Unconscious strategies that protect our conscious mind from anxiety. Defence mechanisms involve a distortion of reality in some way, so that we are better able to cope with a situation

Question 31

Psychoanalysis

Answer 31

A term used to describe the personality theory and therapy associated with Sigmund Freud

Question 32

Psychodynamic

Answer 32

Refers to any theory that emphasises change and development in the individual, particularly those theories where ‘drive’ is a central concept in development. The best known psychodynamic theory is Freudian psychoanalysis

Question 33

Unconscious

Answer 33

That part of the human mind that contains repressed ideas and memories, as well as original desires and impulses that have never been allowed to enter the conscious mind

Question 34

Conditions of worth

Answer 34

Conditions imposed on an individual’s behaviour and development that are considered necessary to earn positive regard from significant others

Question 35

Congruence

Answer 35

If there is similarity between a person’s ideal self and self-image, a state of congruence exists. A difference represents a state of incongruence

Question 36

Free will

Answer 36

The ability to act on one’s own discretion, i.e. to choose how to behave without being influenced by external forces

Question 37

Hierarchy of needs

Answer 37

The motivational theory proposed by Abraham Maslow, often displayed as a pyramid. The most basic needs are at the bottom and the higher needs at the top

Question 38

Humanistic

Answer 38

Refers to the belief that human beings are born with the desire to grow, create and to love, and have the power to direct their own lives

Question 39

Self

Answer 39

Our personal identity - used with terms self-image and self-concept

Question 40

Self-actualisation

Answer 40

A term used in different ways. Rogers used it as the drive to realise ones true potential. Maslow used it to describe the final stage of his hierarchy of needs

Question 41

Determinism

Answer 41

Behaviour is determined by external or internal factors acting upon the individual

Question 42

Nature

Answer 42

Behaviour is seen to be a product of innate biological or genetic factors

Question 43

Nurture

Answer 43

Behaviour is a product of environmental influences

Question 44

Science

Answer 44

A systematic approach to creating knowledge. The method used to gain scientific knowledge is referred to as the scientific method