Approaches Key Words

• What is introspection?

  The examination of one's own conscious thoughts and feelings
• What is the behaviourist approach?

  Focuses on the idea that all behaviours are learned through interaction with the environment
• What does reinforcement mean?

  A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated
• What is the social learning theory?


  A way of explaining behaviour that includes direct and indirect reinforcement. Combines learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
• What are mediational processes?

  Cognitive factors (e.g thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
• What is the cognitive approach?

  Is focused on how our mental processes (thoughts, perception and attention) affect behaviour.
• What is a schema?

  A mental framework of beliefs and expectations that influence cognitive processing. Developed from past experiences.
• What is an inference?

  The process where cognitive psychologists draw conclusions about the way mental processes operate on the basis of observed behaviour.
• What is cognitive neuroscience?

  The scientific study of those biological structures that underpin cognitive processes
• What is the biological approach?

  A perspective that emphasises the importance of physical processes in the body such as genetic inheritance.
• What are genes?

  Make up chromosomes and consists of DNA. Codes the physical features of an organism.
• What is a genotype?


  Particular set of genes that a person possesses
• What is a phenotype?


  The characteristics of an individual determined by both genes and environment
• What is the psychodynamic approach?

  Emphasises unconscious processes and unresolved past conflicts. Explores defence mechanisms
• What is the ID?

  • Instinctive part of us
  • Pleasure principle
  • Inner child
  • Selfish aggressive instincts that require instant gratification
• What is EGO?

  • Mediates between ID and Superego as they are in constant conflict
  • Use defence mechanisms
  • Reality principle
  • Inner adult that develops around age 2
• What is the superego?

  • 'conscience' part of us
  • moral principle
  • Inner parent
  • Ideal self we ought to be
• What are defence mechanisms?

  Unconscious strategies that the Ego uses to manage the conflict between the ID and superego
• What is the humanistic approach?

  Emphasises the importance of subjective experience
• What is self actualisation?


  The desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one's full potential and becoming what you are capable of
• What does congruence mean?

  When the ideal self is similar to the normal self
• What are conditions of worth?

  When a parent places limits or boundaries on their love of children