Approaches in Psychology

This flashcard set covers key concepts and theories related to the approaches in psychology including behaviourism, cognitive approach, and biological approach.

What are the key components of the behaviourist approach?

The behaviourist approach involves classical conditioning, operant conditioning, reinforcement types, and focuses on observable behaviour.

What is classical conditioning?

A learning process through association, exemplified by Pavlov's experiments with dogs.

What is operant conditioning?

A learning process where behaviour is shaped by consequences, which can be positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, or punishment.

What were the main findings of Pavlov’s research?

Dogs learned to associate a neutral stimulus (bell) with an unconditioned stimulus (food), leading to a conditioned response (salivation).

What is positive reinforcement?

When a behaviour is followed by a desirable consequence, increasing the likelihood that the behaviour is repeated.

What is negative reinforcement?

When a behaviour is followed by the removal of an adverse consequence, increasing the likelihood that the behaviour is repeated.

What distinguishes negative reinforcement from punishment?

Negative reinforcement increases a behaviour by removing an unpleasant stimulus, while punishment decreases a behaviour by applying an unpleasant consequence.

What is the role of schemas in the cognitive approach?

Schemas are mental frameworks that help individuals organize and interpret information based on past experiences.

What is cognitive neuroscience?

An academic field that studies the connection between brain structures and cognitive processes, using techniques like brain imaging.

How does the biological approach explain behaviour?

It focuses on genetic influences, brain structures, and neurochemistry, asserting that behaviour has a physiological basis.

What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype refers to an individual's genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to the observable characteristics that result from this genetic makeup.

What is the significance of the case study of Phineas Gage?

It demonstrated the impact of brain structure on behaviour, particularly the role of the frontal cortex in inhibiting antisocial behaviour.

How does the biological approach utilize research methods?

It employs scientific methods such as brain scanning techniques that provide objective and reliable data.

What is social learning theory?

A theory that suggests learning occurs through observing and imitating others, emphasizing the role of cognitive processes and mediational factors.

What are the key mediational processes in social learning theory?

Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation are the four processes essential for observational learning.

What was the main aim of Bandura's Bobo Doll experiment?

To investigate whether aggression can be learned through the principles of social learning theory.

What is the importance of the cognitive approach in psychology?

It highlights internal mental processes and their influence on behaviour, contributing to the development of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What is a limitation of the biological approach?

It often relies on correlational data, making it difficult to establish causation between biological factors and behaviour.

How can behaviourism be critiqued for its view of human nature?

It is often criticized for being overly deterministic, ignoring the role of free will and cognitive processes in behaviour.

What is vicarious reinforcement in social learning theory?

Learning that occurs when an individual observes others being rewarded for a behaviour, which increases the likelihood that the observer will imitate the behaviour.