Psychological Theories and Influences

These flashcards cover key concepts and theories from the lecture on psychology, including various schools of thought and influential figures in the field.

How does the psychoanalytic perspective define human nature and the major causes of behavior?

Human nature is viewed as being driven by unconscious sexual and aggressive impulses. Behavior is caused by unresolved childhood conflicts and the struggle between unconscious desires and societal constraints. Significant figures include Sigmund Freud (late 1890s), and research primarily involves case studies and free association.

Describe the behavioral perspective regarding human nature, causes of behavior, and research methods.

Human nature is seen as a 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) that is reactive to the environment. Behavior is caused by environmental reinforcements, punishments, and conditioning. Research is conducted through controlled laboratory experiments on observable stimuli and responses. Key figures include John B. Watson (1913) and B.F. Skinner.

What characterizes the humanistic perspective in terms of human nature and causes of behavior?

Human nature is inherently good, self-directed, and possessing free will. Behavior is caused by the individual's unique perception of the world and their inner drive for self-actualization and personal growth. Research focuses on subjective experiences and qualitative reports. Prominent figures include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers (1950s).

Explain the cognitive perspective's view of human nature and its primary means of research.

Humans are viewed as active information processors, similar to a computer. Behavior is caused by internal mental processes such as memory, perception, and decision-making. Research utilizes experimental methods and computer modeling to study the mind. Important figures include George Miller (1956) and Ulric Neisser (1967).

How does the biological perspective analyze human nature and behavior?

Human nature is seen in terms of physiological and evolutionary mechanisms. Behavior is caused by genetic factors, neurotransmitters, hormones, and brain structures. Research methods include brain imaging (MRI, PET scans), genetic studies, and biochemical analysis. Donald Hebb (1949) is a foundational figure.

How does structuralism define human nature and the study of the mind?

Human nature is viewed as the sum of basic mental components. Behavior and consciousness are caused by the structural combination of elementary sensations and feelings. Research is conducted through analytic introspection under controlled conditions. Key figures include Wilhelm Wundt (1879) and Edward Titchener.

Describe the perspective of functionalism regarding human nature and mental processes.

Human nature is seen as adaptive and evolutionary. Behavior is caused by the functional purpose of conscious thought in helping an organism survive and adjust to its environment. Research methods include the observation of mental functions and behavior in real-world settings. A primary figure is William James (1890).

What is monism, and how does it explain the relationship between mind and body?

Human nature is viewed as a single physical entity; the mind and body are not separate. Behavior is caused by physiological brain processes and chemical events. It is researched through philosophical analysis and biological study. A major historical figure is Thomas Hobbes (1651).

Explain the empiricist view of human nature and the origin of knowledge.

Human nature is defined as a 'tabula rasa' (blank slate) at birth. Behavior is caused entirely by sensory experience and environmental interaction. Research is based on systematic observation and the collection of empirical data. A foundational figure is John Locke (1690).

Contrast the biological level of analysis against the psychological level of analysis.

The biological level focuses on physical foundations like brain chemistry and genetics (Nature), whereas the psychological level focuses on mental processes, emotional responses, and cognitive interpretations (Mind).

How do the psychological and environmental levels of analysis differ in their approach?

The psychological level examines internal states, such as beliefs and cognitive development, while the environmental level examines external social influences, cultural norms, and situational stimuli (Nurture).

Contrast the biological level of analysis against the environmental level of analysis.

Biological analysis looks at internal physiological causes and inherited traits, while environmental analysis looks at external factors like learning history, social associations, and cultural upbringing.

How are the biological, psychological, and environmental levels paired in the biopsychosocial model?

This model integrates all three by showing how biological predispositions (e.g., genes) interact with psychological states (e.g., stress) and environmental triggers (e.g., social support) to produce specific behaviors or health outcomes.

Practice Analysis: How would a researcher analyze 'Aggression' using the Biopsychosocial Model?

1. Biological: Investigating testosterone levels or genetic predispositions.
2. Psychological: Examining the individual's thought patterns or past trauma.
3. Environmental: Observing social triggers, cultural norms regarding violence, or childhood reinforcements.

Practice Analysis: Contrast how a Behaviorist and a Cognitive Psychologist would analyze a child learning a new language.

• Behaviorist: Focuses on the imitation of sounds and the positive reinforcement (rewards) received from parents when the child speaks correctly.
• Cognitive: Focuses on the internal mental processes, such as the child's ability to store vocabulary in memory and apply grammatical rules to new sentences.

Practice Analysis: Analyze the phenomenon of 'Eating Disorders' through the three levels of analysis.

1. Biological: Investigating chemical imbalances in the brain or genetic links.
2. Psychological: Analyzing low self-esteem, perfectionism, or distorted body image.
3. Environmental: Considering societal beauty standards or peer pressure within a specific cultural context.

Practice Analysis: Apply Functionalism to explain the purpose of the 'Fear' response.

A functionalist would analyze fear not just as a feeling, but as an adaptive mental process that evolved to help humans survive by triggering the 'fight or flight' response when facing a threat.