Lecture 1: Early Schools of Thought & Basic Behavioral Principles Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the definition of Psychology?
The scientific study of mind and behavior; how we think, feel, and act.
What was the aim of Structuralism, who was its key figure, and what method did it primarily use?
Aim: To identify the basic elements or ‘structures’ of psychological experience. Key Figure: Wilhelm Wundt. Method: Introspection.
What is Introspection?
Method used in structuralism. Involves trained individuals carefully and systematically observing and reporting their own conscious thoughts, sensations, and feelings in response to controlled stimuli.
What was the aim of Functionalism, who was its key figure, and what major theory influenced it?
Aim: To understand the purpose or ‘function’ of consciousness and behavior in helping organisms adapt to their environment and survive. Key Figure: William James. Influenced by Darwin’s evolutionary theory.
What is the main focus of the Psychodynamic Perspective, and who is its key figure?
Focuses on the role of the unconscious mind (desires, fears, memories - DFM) and early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior. Key Figure: Sigmund Freud.
According to the Psychodynamic Perspective, what is the Unconscious Mind?
According to Freud, a reservoir of mostly unacceptable thoughts, wishes, feelings, and memories (especially desires, fears, and memories - DFM). It influences behavior even though we are not directly aware of its contents.
What are Defense Mechanisms in the Psychodynamic Perspective?
Unconscious strategies used by the ego to protect itself from anxiety arising from conflicts between the id’s impulses and the superego’s constraints, or from external threats.
What is Repression as a defense mechanism? Provide an example.
Pushing distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings into the unconscious to avoid awareness of them.
Example: Forgetting a traumatic event.
What is Denial as a defense mechanism? Provide an example.
Refusing to believe or even perceive painful realities or facts.
Example: Denying a serious medical diagnosis.
What is Projection as a defense mechanism? Provide an example.
Attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person.
Example: Accusing your partner of being angry when you are the one feeling angry.
What is Displacement as a defense mechanism? Provide an example.
Shifting sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable or less threatening object or person.
Example: Yelling at family after a bad day at work instead of at the boss.
What is Sublimation as a defense mechanism? Provide an example.
Channeling unacceptable impulses or socially unacceptable desires into socially acceptable and constructive activities.
Example: Expressing aggression through competitive sports.
What is the main focus of the Behavioral Perspective, and who are some key figures?
Focuses on observable behavior and how it is learned through interactions with the environment. Emphasizes conditioning (rewards, punishments, associations). Key figures: Pavlov, Watson, Skinner.
What is Reinforcement in the behavioral perspective?
Any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior it follows. Can be positive or negative.
What is Positive Reinforcement? Provide an example.
Strengthening a behavior by presenting a pleasant stimulus after the behavior.
Example: Giving praise or a treat when a child says ‘please’.
What is Negative Reinforcement? Provide an example and clarify what it is not.
Strengthening a behavior by removing an unpleasant stimulus after the behavior.
Example: Stopping nagging when a child says ‘please,’ or taking away a chore. Not the same as punishment.
What is Punishment in the behavioral perspective?
Any event that weakens or decreases the likelihood of a behavior it follows. Can involve presenting an unpleasant stimulus or removing a pleasant one.
