Definitions: Approaches in Psychology

Flashcards covering key definitions and concepts from AQA Psychology AS-level Topic 4: Approaches in Psychology.

Behaviourist approach

A learning approach suggesting all children are born as 'tabulae rasae' (blank slates), learning through interactions with their environment.

Biological approach

A learning approach that views human behaviour as a result of genetics and individual psychology stemming from internal physiology.

Classical conditioning

A form of learning that occurs by associating a naturally occurring instinct with new stimuli, creating a 'conditioned' response.

Cognitive approach

A learning approach likening the human mind to a computer, focusing on internal processes that turn input into output.

Genotype

The genetic profile of an individual, referring to the genes they carry.

Identification

A form of learning suggesting humans learn by observing role models perceived as similar to themselves.

Imitation

A form of learning proposed by social learning theory, where people learn by copying the behaviour of a role model.

Modelling

The act of a role model enacting a behaviour that can be imitated by an observer.

Mediational processes

Internal processes that contribute to producing certain behaviours, acting as 'mediators' between observation and imitation.

Negative reinforcement

A behaviour performed in response to a negative stimulus, expecting that the negative stimulus will be removed.

Operant conditioning

A form of learning through direct consequences for behaviour, involving reinforcement or punishment.

Phenotype

An organism’s physical manifestation of their genotype.

Positive reinforcement

Administration of a positive stimulus aimed at increasing a particular behaviour.

Schema

A mental framework based on previous information that allows efficient interpretation of new information.

Social learning theory

A learning approach combining behaviourist and cognitive ideas, proposing new behaviours can be acquired by observing and imitating others.

Vicarious reinforcement

Indirect encouragement of behaviour through observation of consequences for others' behaviour.