Applied Psychology -- Week 1: Introduction & Learning Theories

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Applied Psychology lecture, including definitions and essential terms related to psychology theories, learning applications, and employability skills.

Applied Psychology

The practical use of psychological theories, research, and methods to solve real-world problems and improve human experience.

Real-world practice

Application of psychological knowledge and skills in everyday situations like health, education, workplaces, and community services.

Personal development

The process of assessing and improving one's capabilities and potential as a psychology student.

Societal improvement

Efforts aimed at enhancing the welfare and quality of life within communities through psychological applications.

PSY1APP

A subject focused on integrating psychology theories with real-world applications.

Learning theories

Frameworks that explain how individuals acquire knowledge and skills, including classical and operant conditioning.

CareerEDGE model

A framework detailing five components that contribute to employability for psychology graduates.

Career Development Learning

Learning processes that enhance an individual's ability to plan and manage their career.

Experience

Practical knowledge or skills gained through work and life situations.

Degree Knowledge and Skills

The academic competencies and expertise acquired through formal education.

Generic Skills

Transferable skills applicable across various professions, including communication and teamwork.

Emotional Intelligence (EI)

The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and those of others.

Self-efficacy

An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.

Self-confidence

Trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment.

Self-esteem

An individual's overall sense of self-worth or personal value.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, resulting in a learned response.

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

An unlearned, naturally occurring response to an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.

Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a conditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process in which behaviors are modified by their consequences.

Reinforcement

Any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behavior.

Punishment

Any event that weakens or reduces the likelihood of a behavior.

Reinforcement schedules

Rules that determine how and when reinforcement is delivered following a behavior.

Fixed Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides reinforcement after a specified number of responses.

Variable Ratio Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response after an unpredictable number of responses.

Fixed Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that provides reinforcement after a specific amount of time has passed.

Variable Interval Schedule

A reinforcement schedule that reinforces a response at unpredictable time intervals.

Key attributes of psychology graduates

Skills and qualities that prepare psychology graduates for the workforce, such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability.

Critical thinking

The ability to analyze information objectively and evaluate different perspectives.

Research skills

The ability to conduct thorough investigations to discover information or reach new conclusions.

Communication skills

The ability to convey information effectively through verbal and non-verbal means.

Teamwork

The ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve a common goal.

Problem-solving skills

The ability to identify solutions to complex issues or challenges.

Self-management

The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in different situations.

Ethics in psychology

The moral principles that guide research, practice, and decisions in the field of psychology.

Adaptability

The ability to modify one's approach to meet changing circumstances or environments.

Flexibility

The capacity to adjust one’s thoughts and actions as needed in different situations.

Learning applications

Ways in which learning theories like classical and operant conditioning can be applied to various fields.

Behaviour modification

The use of techniques to change undesirable behaviors.

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

Personal Growth

The ongoing process of understanding and developing oneself to achieve one's fullest potential.

Emotional Awareness

The ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions and those of others.

Summary of Applied Psychology

A bridge between theoretical psychology and its practical applications designed to improve human life.