Podcast
Questions and Answers
Define each of the major theoretical approaches. Compare and contrast: How are they the same? How are they different?
Define each of the major theoretical approaches. Compare and contrast: How are they the same? How are they different?
The major theoretical approaches in psychology are psychoanalytic, neo-psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, behavioural, genetics, and lifespan. While each approach offers a unique perspective on human behavior, they share commonalities such as emphasizing internal and external factors, focusing on individual differences, and seeking to understand the development of the human psyche.
The psychoanalytic approach, pioneered by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and the impact of unresolved conflicts on personality and mental health. In contrast, the neo-psychoanalytic approach builds upon Freud's work while focusing on social and cultural influences, interpersonal relationships, and the role of ego functions in adaptation. It also emphasizes the importance of the conscious mind and the potential for growth and change throughout the lifespan.
The humanistic approach, championed by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the innate goodness of human beings, their potential for growth, and their capacity for self-actualization. This approach focuses on the individual's subjective experiences, free will, and personal meaning. The humanistic approach is distinct from the psychoanalytic approach in its rejection of deterministic views, suggesting that individuals are primarily responsible for their own choices and actions.
The cognitive approach emphasizes how people's thoughts, perceptions, and interpretations of events shape their emotions and behaviors. It contrasts with the behavioral approach by emphasizing the internal processes of information processing, memory, and attention. This approach has been particularly influential in understanding and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.
The behavioral approach, founded by B.F. Skinner, focuses on observable behaviors and how they are learned through environmental reinforcement and punishment. This approach emphasizes the importance of environmental conditions and the role of learning in shaping behavior. It contrasts with the cognitive approach by emphasizing the external forces that shape behavior, rather than internal mental processes.
The genetics approach seeks to understand the role of heredity in influencing personality traits, behaviors, and psychological disorders. This approach is often used to study the influence of genes on individual differences, including personality traits, cognitive abilities, and susceptibility to mental illness. It contrasts with the environmental approaches by emphasizing the importance of biological factors.
Finally, the lifespan approach emphasizes the ongoing processes of development throughout the lifespan. It recognizes that development is not limited to childhood and adolescence, but continues throughout life with complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. It contrasts with other approaches by focusing on the dynamic nature of development across the lifespan.
In Skinner's Reinforcement theory, what do the following terms mean: reinforcement, extinction, operant behaviour, operant conditioning, positive vs. negative, stimulus?
In Skinner's Reinforcement theory, what do the following terms mean: reinforcement, extinction, operant behaviour, operant conditioning, positive vs. negative, stimulus?
In Skinner's Reinforcement Theory, these terms have the following significances:
- Reinforcement: Reinforcement refers to any consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. It can be positive or negative.
- Extinction: Extinction happens when a previously reinforced behavior no longer receives reinforcement, leading to a gradual decrease in the frequency of that behavior.
- Operant behavior: This refers to any voluntary behavior that is influenced by its consequences.
- Operant conditioning: This is the learning process through which behaviors are modified by their consequences. It involves shaping behaviors by associating them with certain rewards or punishments.
- Positive: Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable consequence to increase the likelihood of a behavior.
- Negative: Negative reinforcement involves removing an undesirable consequence to increase the likelihood of a behavior.
- Stimulus: A stimulus is any event or object that elicits a response in an organism. It can act as a signal for reinforcement or punishment.
Study Notes
Exam Topics
- PSYC 1130 Psychology for Social Service Workers Final Exam
- Exam is 20% of final grade
- Exam questions may include true/false, multiple choice, multiple select, and matching/ordering.
Modules Covered
- Module 7: Reinforcement Theory (BF Skinner)
- Module 8: Cognitive Theory (Aaron Beck)
- Module 9: Self-Actualization Theory (Carl Rogers)
- Module 10: Five Factor Theory (McCrae & Costa)
- Module 11: Mini Theories (Julian Rotter, Marvin Zuckerman, Martin Seligman)
- Module 12: Identity Theory (Erik Erikson)
Theoretical Approaches
- Psychoanalytic Approach
- Neo-psychoanalytic Approach
- Humanistic Approach
- Cognitive Approach
- Behavioral Approach
- Genetic Approach
- Lifespan Approach
Human Nature
- Free will vs. determinism
- Nature vs. nurture
- Past vs. present
- Uniqueness vs. universality
- Growth vs. satisfaction
- Optimism vs. pessimism
Additional Study Points (Checklist)
- Theoretical Approaches: Define, compare, and contrast major approaches
- Theorists: Analyze how major theorists (Freud, Horney, Adler, Rogers, Beck, Skinner, Erikson) answer questions about human nature
- Reinforcement Theory (Skinner): Define reinforcement, extinction, operant behavior, operant conditioning, positive vs. negative reinforcement, omission, punishment, schedules of reinforcement, and applications (token economy).
- Cognitive Therapy (Beck): Describe schemas, core beliefs, automatic vs. controlled thoughts, cognitive distortions, and the cognitive triad.
- Roger's Self and Actualization: Discuss congruence vs. incongruence, conditional vs. unconditional positive regard, and the fully functioning person.
- Roger's Assessment and Research: Explore Roger's defense mechanisms and assessment concepts.
- Trait Approach: Understand factor analysis, the categorization of traits, and Costa and McCrae's Big Five (examine research results)
- Locus of Control (Rotter) and Learned Helplessness (Seligman): Compare and contrast the concepts of locus of control and learned helplessness, and their connection to depression.
- Sensation Seeking: List the components and characteristics of sensation seeking.
- Positive Psychology (Seligman): Understand Seligman's Explanatory Style and his contributions to the field of positive psychology.
- Psychosocial Stages (Erikson): Define and examine Erikson's eight stages of development, including epigenetic, crisis, maladaptive, adaptive, maldevelopment, and malignant terminology.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Prepare for the PSYC 1130 Psychology for Social Service Workers final exam with a comprehensive review of key theories and concepts. This quiz covers significant modules including reinforcement theory, cognitive theory, and identity theory. Test your understanding of theoretical approaches, human nature, and critical comparisons among major psychological theories.
