Psychology glossary word list 1

Question 1

Psychodynamic approach

Answer 1

Historically important field of psychology which says behaviour is due to unconscious forces and conflicts of which the conscious mind is unaware.

Question 2

Learning approaches

Answer 2

Behaviourism and social learning theory

Question 3

Behaviourist approach

Answer 3

All behaviour is learnt. Classical and operant conditioning.

Question 4

Social Learning theory

Answer 4

Learning can happen indirectly through observation of a role model and watching them be rewarded (vicarious reinforcement) or punishment.

Question 5

Humanist approach

Answer 5

Behaviour emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-determination , also concept of free will

Question 6

Cognitive approach

Answer 6

Behaviour is due to cognitions - thoughts, beliefs and ways of mentally processing the world. Disordered behaviour = due to faulty conditions

Question 7

Biological approach

Answer 7

Behaviour is described by looking at biological causes: genetics, hormones, gender, evolution, neurotransmitters, brain functioning.

Question 8

Introspection

Answer 8

Studying and reporting thought processes, first used in controlled conditions by Wilhelm Wundt in his Leipzig Lab

Question 9

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 9

The scientific study of biological structures and functioning that underpin cognitive processes. Newest approach in psychology.

Question 10

Eclectic approach

Answer 10

The combining of several approaches, methods and/or theoretical perspectives in order to provide a more comprehensive account of human behaviour

Question 11

Pilot study

Answer 11

Small study undertaken before embarking on big expensive main study. Allows changes to be made to the study following results from the pilot.

Question 12

Confederate

Answer 12

Someone taking part in research who is not a real participant

Question 13

Learning can happen indirectly through observation of a role model and watching them be rewarded (vicarious reinforcement) or punishment.

Answer 13

Social Learning theory

Question 14

Behaviourism and social learning theory

Answer 14

Learning approaches

Question 15

Behaviour is due to cognitions - thoughts, beliefs and ways of mentally processing the world. Disordered behaviour = due to faulty conditions

Answer 15

Cognitive approach

Question 16

The combining of several approaches, methods and/or theoretical perspectives in order to provide a more comprehensive account of human behaviour

Answer 16

Eclectic approach

Question 17

Behaviour emphasises the importance of subjective experience and each person’s capacity for self-determination , also concept of free will

Answer 17

Humanist approach

Question 18

Studying and reporting thought processes, first used in controlled conditions by Wilhelm Wundt in his Leipzig Lab

Answer 18

Introspection

Question 19

The scientific study of biological structures and functioning that underpin cognitive processes. Newest approach in psychology.

Answer 19

Cognitive neuroscience

Question 20

Behaviour is described by looking at biological causes: genetics, hormones, gender, evolution, neurotransmitters, brain functioning.

Answer 20

Biological approach

Question 21

All behaviour is learnt. Classical and operant conditioning.

Answer 21

Behaviourist approach

Question 22

Someone taking part in research who is not a real participant

Answer 22

Confederate

Question 23

Historically important field of psychology which says behaviour is due to unconscious forces and conflicts of which the conscious mind is unaware.

Answer 23

Psychodynamic approach

Question 24

Small study undertaken before embarking on big expensive main study. Allows changes to be made to the study following results from the pilot.

Answer 24

Pilot study