Individual Differences: Lecture 4 - Cognitive Psychologists and Humanists

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and theorists discussed in the Cognitive Psychologists and Humanists lecture, including Personal Construct Theory, Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy, and Self-Actualization.

Who is known for the concept of Personal Constructs in cognitive psychology?

George Kelly. (Explanation for dummies: Kelly believed people are always trying to make sense of their world by creating mental 'constructs' or theories about it.)

What are the two main categories of psychologists discussed in the lecture?

Cognitive Theorists and Humanists. (Explanation for dummies: Cognitive theorists focus on thinking and information processing, while humanists emphasize individual growth, potential, and free will.)

What theory is Albert Ellis associated with?

Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT). (Explanation for dummies: REBT is a therapy that helps people challenge irrational beliefs that lead to emotional distress.)

What significant life event influenced George Kelly's perspective on personal constructs?

He served as a clinical psychologist in the Navy during WWII. (Explanation for dummies: This experience exposed him to diverse individuals and their unique ways of interpreting distress, shaping his understanding of how personal views affect behavior.)

What does the Fundamental Postulate in Kelly's theory state?

People act based on how they expect future events will turn out. (Example: If you expect a presentation to go well, you'll prepare with confidence; if you expect it to fail, you might procrastinate.)

According to Kelly, what are Personal Constructs?

The way we perceive and interpret events and people. These are our unique mental 'lenses' or 'templates' through which we organize and understand our experiences. (Explanation for dummies: Imagine everyone walks around with a unique set of mental filters that shape how they see and react to the world.)

What is the main concept of the Choice Corollary in Kelly's Personal Construct Theory?

Individuals have the freedom to choose which of two dichotomies (opposite poles) makes sense in a situation to extend or define their construct system. (Example: Facing a new job, you might choose to view it as either 'challenging' or 'overwhelming,' where your choice impacts your approach.)

What important concept does Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs emphasize for human motivation?

That basic needs (like food, safety) must be met before individuals can pursue higher-level growth motives (like self-esteem, self-actualization). (Explanation for dummies: You can't truly worry about your purpose in life if you're starving; foundational needs come first, like climbing a pyramid.)

What does Self-Actualization refer to in Maslow's theory?

The realization of one's full potential and the pursuit of higher goals once basic needs are satisfied. It's about becoming the most complete and fulfilled version of oneself. (Explanation for dummies: It's like reaching the top of your personal potential, not just surviving but thriving and creating.)

Describe the concept of B-cognition in self-actualizers according to Maslow.

Non-judgmental thought and an ability to experience peak experiences. B-cognition, or 'Being-cognition,' involves perceiving things purely for what they are, without imposing judgments or evaluations. (Example: Being completely absorbed and awestruck by a beautiful piece of music or a sunset is a form of B-cognition.)

What does the Evaluation of Ellis's REBT emphasize regarding emotions?

That emotions are primarily created by our own beliefs about events, rather than solely by the external events themselves. (Explanation for dummies: It's not the event that upsets you, but your interpretation or 'story' about the event that truly causes your emotional reaction.)

According to Ellis, what role does free will play in our emotional responses?

Individuals have the responsibility to manage their own choices and behaviors, and therefore their emotional responses, even if they can't control external circumstances. (Explanation for dummies: You have the power to choose how you think and feel about situations, rather than being a slave to your initial reactions.)

What is the meaning of the ABCs in Ellis’ REBT?

A – Activating event, B – Belief about the event, C – Consequence of the belief. This model shows how an event (A) leads to a belief (B), which then creates an emotional or behavioral consequence (C). (Mnemonic/Example: A = Getting rejected, B = 'I'm unlovable,' C = Deep sadness. REBT targets 'B' to change 'C'.)

What fundamental needs are identified in Self Determination Theory (SDT)?

Competence, autonomy, and relatedness. These three universal psychological needs are essential for intrinsic motivation and well-being across cultures. (Explanation for dummies: Think of these as your basic psychological fuel: feeling capable (competence), having control over your life (autonomy), and feeling connected to others (relatedness).)

How does Cognitive Evaluation Theory impact intrinsic motivation?

It examines how social contexts, particularly rewards and feedback, affect an individual's intrinsic motivation and interest in an activity. For example, unexpected positive feedback can enhance intrinsic motivation. (Explanation for dummies: This theory helps explain why sometimes getting paid for a hobby makes it feel less fun, because it changes your perception from internal drive to external reward.)

What is the Sociality Corollary in George Kelly's Personal Construct Theory?

To understand another person, one must understand their construct system. We try to 'construe' their constructions, putting ourselves in their shoes to see things from their perspective. (Explanation for dummies: It's like trying to figure out why your friend acted a certain way by imagining how they see the world, not just how you see it.) (Example: To truly understand why your friend fears public speaking, you try to understand their personal constructs about 'performance' or 'judgment'.)

According to Albert Ellis, what are the primary "irrational beliefs" that REBT aims to challenge?

These are rigid, illogical, and often self-defeating beliefs, typically categorized as demandingness (musts/shoulds), awfulizing (catastrophizing), low frustration tolerance (I can't stand it!), and global self-rating (condemning oneself or others totally). (Explanation for dummies: These are the 'rules' you tell yourself that aren't true or helpful, like "I must be perfect, or I'm worthless.") (Mnemonic: DAFL - Demandingness, Awfulizing, Frustration intolerance, Low self-rating on a Global scale)

List the five levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, from the most basic to the highest.

The levels are Physiological needs (e.g., food, water), Safety needs (security, stability), Love/Belonging needs (friendship, intimacy), Esteem needs (self-respect, recognition), and Self-Actualization (realizing one's full potential). (Explanation for dummies: It's a ladder of needs; you build the foundation (basic survival) before you can reach the top (feeling truly fulfilled).) (Mnemonic: People Seldom Leave Eating Shrimp - Physiological, Safety, Love, Esteem, Self-Actualization)

How does Self-Determination Theory differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is doing an activity for the inherent satisfaction or enjoyment it brings (e.g., reading a book because you love stories). Extrinsic motivation is doing an activity to attain a separable outcome, such as a reward or to avoid punishment (e.g., reading a book for a grade). (Explanation for dummies: Intrinsic means you do it because it feels good inside; extrinsic means you do it for a reward or to avoid trouble outside.) (Example: Playing guitar because you love the music (intrinsic) vs. playing guitar for money (extrinsic).)