Sociocultural and Biological Approaches to Understanding Behaviour

These flashcards cover key concepts related to sociocultural and biological approaches in psychology, focusing on understanding human behavior.

Cognitive Dissonance

A psychological phenomenon where a person experiences discomfort due to conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

Compliance Techniques

Methods used to influence someone's behavior in agreement with the requester.

Conformity

The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.

Cultural Dimensions

Framework for understanding cultural differences and similarities across various societies.

Emic Approach

A perspective that seeks to understand a culture from within, using the members' viewpoint.

Enculturation

The process through which individuals learn and adopt the norms and values of their culture.

Etic Approach

An external perspective that analyzes cultures using universal categories.

Acculturation Models

Frameworks that describe the process of cultural change that occurs when individuals from different cultures meet.

Social Identity Theory

Theory positing that a person’s self-concept is derived from their group memberships.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that behaviors are learned through observation and imitation of others.

Biological Reductionism

The reduction of complex human behavior to biological factors.

Brain Imaging Techniques

Methods used to visualize brain structures and functions, aiding in understanding behavior.

Chemical Messengers

Substances in the body that facilitate communication between cells, affecting behavior.

Neurotransmission

The process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron and bind to receptors on a target cell.

Interpersonal Relationships

Connections and interactions between two or more individuals, affecting their emotional and social dynamics.

Cognitive Explanations

Theories that emphasize mental processes in understanding behavior and relationships.