Psychology Lecture Notes

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering psychodynamic theory, humanistic psychology, social-cognitive theory, the Big Five personality traits, motivation theories, conflict types, sensation-seeking, emotions, and cultural display rules.

Psychodynamic Theory

Behavior arises from unconscious conflicts and desires.

Ego

Mediates between id, superego, and reality.

denial

Refusing to accept reality or facts.

displacement

Redirecting emotions to a safer target.

projection

Attributing personal feelings to someone else.

rationalization

Justifying behaviors with logical but false explanations.

reaction formation

Expressing opposite of true unwanted feelings.

regression

Returning to earlier developmental behavior under stress.

repression

Unconscious blocking of distressing memories or thoughts.

sublimation

Channeling unacceptable impulses into productive activities.

projective tests

Use ambiguous stimuli to reveal personality traits.

preconscious

Memories not conscious but easily retrievable.

unconscious

Hidden mental processes affecting behavior unknowingly.

humanistic psychology

Focuses on growth, free will, personal meaning.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance without judgment or conditions attached.

Self actualizing tendency

Natural drive to fulfill one's potential.

social cognitive theory

Behavior shaped by interaction of thoughts, environment.

recipricol determinism

Environment, behavior, and cognition influence each other.

self concept

Perception of personal identity and worth.

self efficacy

Belief in your ability to succeed.

self esteem

Overall feeling of self-worth or value.

Big Five Theory

Five main traits define human personality.

agreeableness

Tendency to be compassionate and cooperative.

Openness to Experience

Creativity, curiosity, and preference for novelty.

Extraversion

Sociable, energetic, outgoing, and talkative behavior.

Conscientiousness

Organized, responsible, and goal-directed tendencies.

Emotional Stability ( Neuroticism)

Tendency to experience negative emotional states.

personality inventories

Standardized tests assessing individual personality traits.

factor analysis

Statistical method grouping similar personality characteristics.

drive reduction theory

Motivation reduces internal physiological tension states.

arousal theory

Seek ideal alertness level for optimal performance.

optimal level of arousal

Best functioning happens with moderate alertness.

Yerkes Dodson law

Performance increases with arousal to a point.

self determination theory

Motivation depends on autonomy, competence, relatedness.

intrinsic motivation

Motivation driven by interest or enjoyment itself.

extrinsic motivation

Behavior motivated by external rewards or pressure.

instincts

Inborn patterns of behavior vital for survival.

Approach-Approach Conflict

Choosing between two desirable, attractive options.

Approach-Avoidance Conflict

One option has both positive and negative aspects.

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

Choosing between two unattractive, negative outcomes.

sensation seeking theory

Craving for novel, intense sensory experiences.

emotion

Complex reaction involving physiological and psychological changes.

facial feedback hypothesis

Facial expressions influence emotional experiences felt.

broaden and build theory

Positive emotions expand thinking and resilience.

anger

Strong displeasure from perceived wrong or injustice.

disgust

Repulsion toward something offensive or revolting.

happiness

Feeling of pleasure, contentment, or joy.

surprise

Reaction to unexpected or unforeseen events.

fear

Response to threat, danger, or harm.

sadness

Emotional pain due to loss or disappointment.

display rules

Cultural norms guiding emotional expression appropriateness.