VI Behavioral Sciences Flashcards
Explain how human behavior is influenced by society, groups, and institutions, including cultural change and diversity, as well as how individual behavior is shaped by learning, personal identity, and development. (33 cards)
1
Q
Describe:
psychology
A
- Scientific study of behavior, the mind, and mental processes.
- Using research and experimental methods, it seeks to understand the reasons for human thought, emotions, and behavior.
- The main purpose of psychology is to understand, predict, and change behavior and mental processes.
2
Q
Explain:
social science research
A
- Used to investigate human behavior and relationships and may be conducted using several methodological approaches.
- Example fields: education, sociology, anthropology, criminology, and psychology.
- Types of research: exploratory, descriptive, experimental, and correlational.
3
Q
Compare and contrast:
structuralism and functionalism
A
-
Structuralism:
- founded by Wilhelm Wundt, uses introspection to study the structure of the mind.
- is criticized for being too subjective.
-
Functionalism:
- developed by William James, focuses on how behaviors function to aid survival and evolutionary fitness.
- emphasizes the evolutionary purpose of behaviors.
The debate on nature vs. nurture dates back to ancient Greek philosophers and became more scientific in the late 1800s.
4
Q
Identify:
3 new approaches in psychology in the early 1900s
A
- Gestalt Psychology
- Psychodynamic Psychology
- Behaviorism
Gestalt Psychology: Focused on studying how we perceive whole forms.
Psychodynamic Psychology: Freud and others believed the unconscious played a significant role in mental functioning.
Behaviorism: Skinner and others thought that all behaviors are conditioned.
5
Q
Explain:
How does evolutionary psychology explain human behavior?
A
- Based upon the belief that human behaviors, thoughts, and emotions are influenced by Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
- Holds that human behavior today has been shaped and influenced by the experiences of our earliest ancestors.
- Specific problems that humans faced in the past are at the forefront of this theory.
- Maintains that the solutions that were favorable for survival gradually evolved into the thought patterns and behaviors of future generations.
6
Q
Identify:
developmental theory
A
- Framework for understanding how people grow, develop, and change throughout their lives.
- These theories examine various stages of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, often from infancy through adulthood.
Major theories of development include the cognitive-development, learning, systems, and psychoanalytic. These systems of thought give rise to various theories on development.
7
Q
Explain:
Importance of human development
A
- Helps understand the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that occur throughout a person’s life.
- By studying these developmental stages, psychologists can better comprehend how early experiences influence behavior, personality, and mental health later in life.
- This knowledge is essential for designing effective interventions and supporting individuals at various life stages.
8
Q
Identify:
4 types of human development
A
- Physical
- Social/Behavioral
- Emotional
- Intellectual/Language
9
Q
Identify:
4 main components of language
A
- Phonological development
- Semantic development
- Grammatical development
- Pragmatic development
10
Q
Describe:
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
A
- People develop a concept of right and wrong through a series of stages.
- According to his theory, a person’s reasoning for their moral decisions changes as they get older and mature.
11
Q
Identify:
6 stages of Kohlberg’s moral development
A
- Obedience and punishment
- Self-reward
- Social conformity
- Law and order
- Social contracts and cultural norms
- Universal and ethical principles
12
Q
Identify:
4 theoretical perspectives of sociology
A
- Symbolic interactionism theory
- Social conflict theory
- Structural-functional theory
- Feminist theory
Theoretical perspectives are the various ways that social sciences can measure and solidify trends and themes across human nature and behavior.
13
Q
Explain:
social and cultural expectations
A
- Shared expectations and rules that guide the behavior of individuals within a society or group.
- These norms shape what is considered acceptable or unacceptable, influencing everything from communication styles to dress codes and social interactions.
- They are deeply embedded in culture and can vary significantly between different communities, often evolving over time as societies change.
14
Q
Explain:
Importance of anticipatory socialization
A
It helps individuals take on the attitudes and behaviors of a group they want to join, making it easier to fit in and transition into a new role.
15
Q
Explain:
How is personality formed?
A
- Formed through a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences, and individual experiences.
- Genetics provide the underlying predispositions, while environmental factors such as family, culture, and life experiences shape how these traits are expressed.
- Over time, interactions between these elements lead to the development of unique patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that define an individual’s personality.
16
Q
Identify:
Theories about identity formation
A
- Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
- James Marcia’s Identity Status Theory
- Social Identity Theory (Henri Tajfel)
- Self-Categorization Theory (John Turner)
- Cultural Identity Theory
- Narrative Identity Theory (Dan McAdams)
- Social Learning Theory (Albert Bandura)
- Intersectionality Theory (Kimberlé Crenshaw)
- Postmodern Theories of Identit
- Identity Control Theory (Peter Burke)
17
Q
Explain:
sense of self and self-socialization
A
- Sense of self: refers to an individual’s perception of their own identity, encompassing their beliefs, values, and unique characteristics.
- Self-socialization: process by which individuals actively shape their identity and behaviors by internalizing societal norms, roles, and expectations, often through observation and imitation.
18
Q
Explain:
social learning theory
A
- People learn through observation of behavior enacted by others.
- This behavior is later replicated by the observer.
The social learning theory is based on four foundational factors that influence learning: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
19
Q
Explain:
family system theory
A
- Psychological framework that views the family as an interconnected system, where each member’s behavior affects and is affected by the other members.
- Developed by Murray Bowen, the theory emphasizes that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from their family unit, as the family operates as an emotional system with its own patterns, roles, and dynamics.
20
Q
Explain:
Why is family structure important?
A
It provides essential support, love, and connection, benefiting all members, especially children.
21
Q
Identify:
6 types of families
A
- Nuclear family
- Same-sex family
- Single-parent family
- Step-family
- Extended family
- Grandparent family
Nuclear family is a family unit consisting of 2 parents with 1 or more children.
22
Q
Explain:
gender roles
A
- Refer to the societal expectations and norms regarding behaviors, attitudes, and activities considered appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender.
- These roles are learned through socialization processes and are often reinforced by cultural, familial, educational, and media influences.
23
Q
Describe:
traditional gender roles
A
- Men - breadwinner, leader, protector.
- Women - helpfulness, passivity, kindness, caregivers, nurturers, homemakers, and helpers.
24
Q
Explain:
prejudice
A
- Preconceived and usually negative judgment or attitude towards individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other social identities.
- Involves holding stereotypes or biases against people without sufficient knowledge or understanding, often leading to discrimination or unfair treatment.
25
# Define:
culture
A system of learned and shared elements that groups use to **identify themselves** and provide a framework within which to **live and work**.
26
# Identify:
5 elements of **culture**
* Beliefs
* Language
* Norms
* Values
* Symbols
27
# Explain:
How **group status** influences **inequality**
**High-status groups** tend to **have more power**, resources, and opportunities, which **allows** them to **maintain** and reinforce their **privileged position**.
28
# Identify:
4 types of **group norms**
1. Performance norms
2. Appearance norms
3. Social Arrangement norms
4. Resource Allocation norms
29
# Explain:
Importance of **cultural diversity**
* Enriches societies by **bringing a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and experiences**, fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
* **Enhances social cohesion** and mutual understanding by encouraging respect and appreciation for different traditions, beliefs, and values.
* Helps to **challenge stereotypes**, reduce prejudice, and promote equity and inclusion, creating a more just and harmonious society.
30
# Describe:
diffusion
Borrowing by one society of a cultural trait belonging to another society as the result of contact between the two societies.
31
# Identify:
the 3 types of **diffusion**
1. Direct diffusion
2. Indirect diffusion
3. Forced diffusion
## Footnote
**Direct diffusion**: It occurs when societies come in direct contact with one another.
**Indirect diffusion**: It occurs when the culture of one society is transmitted to a second society, then through the second society to other societies.
**Forced diffusion**: It occurs when one cultural group overpowers another and forces the culture upon it.
32
# Explain:
Impact of **religion** on culture and society
* Shapes culture and society by **influencing moral values, social norms, and legal systems**, guiding how people live, interact, and perceive the world.
* Can foster **community cohesion and a shared sense of identity**, but it **can also contribute to social divisions** when different religious beliefs lead to conflict or exclusion.
* Plays a key role in shaping **cultural traditions**, rituals, and art, leaving a lasting impact on a society's heritage and practices.
33
# Explain:
How **technology** affects culture and society
* **Revolutionizes** communication and information sharing, connecting people globally through the Internet, social media, and the Cloud.
* Reshapes **global economies** and opens markets for small businesses.
* Influences **politics** through protests and revolutions.
* Advances **transportation**, bringing people together more sustainably.
