approaches definitons

Albert Bandura

Developed Social Learning Theory and conducted experiments on observational learning using the Bobo doll.

Behaviourist Approach

An approach that explains behavior based on learning from the environment, mainly through classical and operant conditioning.

Biological Approach

An approach that explains behavior in terms of biological processes, such as genetics and brain function.

Biological Structures

In relation to the biological approach in psychology, these are organs (such as the brain) and systems (such as the nervous system) that influence human behaviour.

Classical Conditioning

A type of learning discovered by Ivan Pavlov, where involuntary responses are conditioned to new stimuli.

Classical Conditioning: Approaches in Psychology

A type of learning discovered by Ivan Pavlov, in which an existing involuntary reflex response is associated with a new stimulus.

Cognitive Approach

An approach that studies internal mental processes, such as perception and memory, using scientific methods.

Cognitive Neuroscience

The field that studies the connection between brain structures and mental processes.

Congruence

A state where a person's ideal self and actual experience align closely, as described by Carl Rogers.

Counselling Psychology

A branch of psychology focused on providing therapeutic treatments for emotional and developmental issues.

Defence Mechanisms

Unconscious strategies used by the ego to manage anxiety and protect the self.

Denial

A defense mechanism where a threatening thought is ignored or treated as false.

Displacement

A defense mechanism where emotions are redirected away from their original source.

Ego

The rational part of personality in Freud's theory that mediates between the id and superego.

Emergence of Cognitive Neuroscience

An academic field that studies the influence of brain structures on mental processes. Its emergence occurred due to advances in brain imaging techniques such as fMRI and PET scans.

Emergence of Psychology as a Science

Psychology emerged as a science at the beginning of the 20th Century when the behaviourists began to question the scientific status and value of introspection. Watson argued that psychology should study objective phenomena that could be observed and measured.

Evolution

Gradual changes in inherited characteristics of a species over generations, explained by Darwin.

Focus on the Self

The humanistic focus on individual consciousness and identity, emphasized by Carl Rogers.

Free Will

The humanistic belief that humans have the ability to make their own decisions and are not determined by biological or environmental factors.

Genes

Biochemical units of heredity that compose chromosomes and influence physical and psychological traits.

Genetic Basis of Behaviour

The idea that behavior can be influenced by genetic information.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual fixed at conception.

Humanistic Psychology

An approach emphasizing the study of the whole person and individual personal development.

Id

The component of personality in Freud's theory that seeks immediate gratification.

Identification

The process of adopting behaviors from a role model whom one wishes to emulate.

Imitation

The act of copying the behavior of a role model.

Inferences

Conclusions drawn based on evidence and reasoning in cognitive psychology.

Internal Mental Processes

Cognitive operations occurring in the mind that can be studied scientifically.

Introspection

The examination of one's own conscious thoughts and emotions.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A theory of human motivation presented in a five-level sequence of needs.

Mediational Processes

Cognitive factors that affect learning and behavior acquisition.

Modelling

A process in social learning where an observer replicates a role model's behavior.

Neurochemistry

The study of chemical processes in the nervous system, relevant to the biological approach.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behavior is modified through reinforcement or punishment.

Pavlov

A Russian biologist known for demonstrating classical conditioning.

Phenotype

The observable expression of an individual's genotype influenced by the environment.

Psychodynamic Approach

An approach focusing on the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior as theorized by Freud.

Psychosexual Stages

Freud's theory of childhood development phases characterized by different psychological focuses.

Reinforcement

A process that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated through rewards or removal of negatives.

Repression

A defense mechanism involving burying unwanted thoughts or desires in the unconscious.

Role of Conditions of Worth

The belief that individuals must meet certain standards to feel valued and loved.

Schemas

Cognitive frameworks that organize and interpret information based on experience.

Self-Actualisation

The realization of one's potential and the final stage in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Skinner

The psychologist who developed Operant Conditioning and introduced reinforcement concepts.

Social Learning Theory

A theory about learning through observation and imitation of others.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that posits that people can learn behaviors through observation and imitation.

Superego

The moral component of personality in Freud's theory that struggles with the id's desires.

Theoretical & Computer Models

Tools used by cognitive psychologists to represent and simulate mental processes.

Unconscious

The part of the mind that holds thoughts and desires not accessible to conscious awareness.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs through observing the consequences received by others for their actions.

Wundt

The psychologist who opened the first psychology laboratory in 1879 and used introspection for study.