Learning Approach in Psychology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the learning approach in psychology, addressing major concepts, theories, and terms essential for studying psychology at the AS level.

Learning Approach

A theoretical perspective in psychology that focuses on how individuals acquire knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.

Behaviorism

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes studying observable behaviors and their interactions with the environment.

Empiricism

The belief that knowledge comes from observable and measurable evidence rather than subjective experiences.

Stimulus-Response (S-R) Model

A model proposing that behaviors can be conditioned through associations between stimuli and responses.

Classical Conditioning

A type of learning where two stimuli become associated, leading to a conditioned response, exemplified by Pavlov's experiments with dogs.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that uses rewards and punishments to influence behavior, central to B.F. Skinner's work.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that behavior is shaped primarily by the environment rather than by innate variables.

Self-Regulation

The ability to control one's own behavior, emotions, and thoughts, particularly in the context of aggression.

Delayed Imitation

The reproduction of behavior observed at an earlier time, often associated with social learning.

Evaluative Learning

A form of classical conditioning where a neutral stimulus is associated with something negative, leading to a disgust response.

Primary Reinforcer

A stimulus that naturally meets a biological need, such as food.

Secondary Reinforcer

A stimulus that has no intrinsic value but is associated with a primary reinforcer, such as money.

Frustration Arousal

Inducing a state of mild frustration to motivate aggressive behavior in observational studies.

Contingency Management

Using rewards to encourage desired behaviors, particularly in therapy for phobias.

Cognitive Restructuring

A therapeutic process aimed at changing distorted thinking patterns and beliefs.

In Vivo Exposures

Real-life exposure to feared objects or situations as part of behavior therapy.

Qualitative Data

Non-numerical data that provide insights into the qualities, attributes, or characteristics of a subject.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data that can be measured and analyzed statistically.

Generalizability

The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to other contexts or populations.

Ethnocentric Sample

A sample that may not represent a broader population due to shared cultural or ethnic backgrounds.