Approaches - AQA AS Psychology Exam Questions and Answer

Approaches - AQA AS Psychology Exam Questions and Answers Psychology - Answer-The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context Science - Answer-A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective observation, with the aim to discover general laws Introspection - Answer-(Wundt) The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations Cartesian dualism - Answer-(Descartes) The mind and body are independent from each other Behaviourist approach - Answer-A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning Assumptions of behaviourist approach - Answer-- Studying behaviour which is observable and measurable - Not concerned about internal mental processes - Watson rejected introspection - Lab experiments - Basic processes that govern learning are the same for all species Classical conditioning - Answer-(Pavlov) Learning by association: occurs when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together (UCS and neutral stimulus). The neutral stimulus eventually produce the same response that was first produced by the unlearned stimulus alone Operant conditioning - Answer-(Skinner) Behaviour is shaped and maintained through its consequences (positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment) Behaviourist approach evaluation - Answer-+ Scientific credibility: emphasising replications and objectivity, influential in developing psychology as a science = INC CREDIBILITY + Real life application: token economy systems, phobias = valid + USEFUL - Mechanistic view of behaviour: animals seen as machine-like responders, little to no conscious insight, opposed by SLT & cognitive = less application to humans, LESS VALID - Unethical Social learning theory - Answer-A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors SLT assumptions - Answer-Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others within a social context Imitation - Answer-Copying the behaviour of others Identification - Answer-When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model