Psychology Approaches Overview

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Questions and Answers

What concept explains why some individuals enjoy engaging in activities that induce fear, such as rollercoasters?

Cognitive dissonance theory

Self-actualization theory

Arousal theory of motivation (correct)

Instinct theory

Which statement about eating disorders is correct?

Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically recognize their problem.

Individuals with bulimia nervosa are unaware of their condition.

Individuals with bulimia may acknowledge their eating problems. (correct)

Both disorders are solely based on biological needs.

In the context of consciousness, what does 'pre-conscious level' refer to?

Mental activities that occur while sleeping

Mental activities that are inaccessible to awareness

Mental activities currently being realized by the individual

Mental activities that can quickly become conscious (correct)

What does the concept of dualism propose about the mind and brain?

They are two distinct but interacting realms. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following needs replaced self-actualization in the revised model of Maslow's hierarchy?

The need to find a mate Signup and view all the answers

Which approach emphasizes that behavior is primarily shaped by biological processes such as hormones and genes?

Biological approach Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for establishing the first research laboratory in psychology in 1879?

Wilhelm Wundt Signup and view all the answers

What principle is primarily associated with B.F. Skinner's explanation of behavior?

Operant conditioning Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological approach is characterized by its focus on observable behavior and learning from past experiences?

Behavioral approach Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the psychodynamic approach to psychology?

Behavior reflects unconscious psychological struggles. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach asserts that human behavior is shaped by individual perceptions and the choices they make?

Humanistic approach Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective challenges the notion that some knowledge is innate?

Empirical approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the cognitive approach in psychology?

Mental representation and information processing Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in the hindbrain is responsible for controlling fine movements and coordinating cognitive processes?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

What role does the hypothalamus play in the forebrain?

Regulates hunger, thirst and sex drive Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in memory and movement?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

The amygdala is mainly associated with which of the following functions?

Connecting sensations and emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the endocrine system?

To regulate functions such as stress and growth through hormones. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the role of the endocrine system is correct?

Hormones provide feedback through a negative feedback system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of serotonin in the neurotransmitter system?

Manages mood and appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the main function of the nervous system?

To receive, process, and transmit information. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for slowing down brain activity?

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) Signup and view all the answers

The corpus callosum is responsible for which of the following functions?

Transferring information between cerebral hemispheres Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is associated with the dysfunction of dopamine?

Parkinson's disease Signup and view all the answers

What structure connects the endocrine system with the control of hormone secretion?

The hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of neurons that use the same neurotransmitter?

Neural pathway Signup and view all the answers

Which system carries messages between the central nervous system and involuntary organs?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched in terms of function and structure?

Adrenal glands - involved in fight or flight response Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of sensation?

The raw data from the senses that influences behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of neuropsychology?

To explore the relationship between brain processes and behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which model suggests that psychological disorders emerge from the interaction of predispositions and stress?

Diathesis-stress model Signup and view all the answers

What does the DSM stand for in mental health?

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the medical model of psychological disorders?

It views disorders as reflections of disturbances in brain anatomy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes clinical neuropsychologists from other neuropsychologists?

They use tests to understand neuropsychological problems in individual patients. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the biopsychosocial approach?

It views mental disorders as a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological treatment method emphasizes insight through understanding unconscious thoughts and emotions?

Psychoanalysis Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the three D's (deviance, distress, dysfunction), which aspect predominantly relates to maladaptive behavior?

Dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behaviorism

John B Watson and B.F. Skinner are key figures in Behaviorism
Focuses on observable behaviors and how the environment influences them
Explains behavior using learning principles such as operant conditioning
Emphasizes the relationship between behavior and environmental stimuli

Evolutionary Approach

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is a foundation for this approach
Asserts that current animal and human behaviors are the result of evolutionary processes
Suggests that adaptations developed to enhance survival and reproductive success

Psychodynamic Approach

Centers on the idea that our behaviors and mental processes stem from internal, mostly unconscious, psychological conflicts
Freud is a prominent figure in this approach
Emphasizes the significance of unconscious drives and early childhood experiences in shaping personality and behavior

Cognitive Approach

Focuses on the way we perceive, process, and store information
Explores how cognitive processes affect our behavior
Examines mental processes like thinking, remembering, and problem solving

Humanistic Approach

Also known as the phenomenological approach
Emphasizes our inherent capacity for self-determination and personal growth
Posits that choices stem from our unique perceptions and not just biological drives or external rewards

Brain Divisions and Functions

Hindbrain: Core functions like breathing, heart rate, and movement coordination are controlled by the cerebellum, medulla oblongata, and reticular formation.
Midbrain: Responsible for sensory relay, automatic responses, and initiation of smooth movements
Forebrain: Complex cognitive functions, emotions, memory formation, and sensory integration are controlled by structures like the amygdala, cerebral cortex, corpus callosum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and thalamus

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons
Acetylcholine: Plays a crucial role in memory and movement, with its deficiency associated with Alzheimer's disease
Norepinephrine: Influences mood, sleep, and learning, and its imbalance can lead to depression
Serotonin: Regulates mood, appetite, and impulsivity, and its deficiency is linked to depression
Dopamine: Involved in movement, reward, and motivation, with its dysfunction connected to Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia
GABA: Functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with sleep and movement, and its imbalance can lead to anxiety and epilepsy
Glutamate: An excitatory neurotransmitter implicated in memory and can cause brain damage during stroke

Endocrine System

A network of glands that communicate through hormones released into the bloodstream
Hormones provide feedback to the brain and pituitary gland, creating a negative feedback system
Plays a vital role in regulating various functions from stress to physical growth
The brain ultimately governs hormone secretion and controls stress reactions like "fight or flight"

Neurons and Neurotransmitters

Key communication components within the human system
Influence behavior and mental processes
For neurons to communicate, neurotransmitters must cross the synapse separating them

Nervous System Function

The primary functions of the nervous system include receiving, processing, and transmitting information

Nervous System Components

Two cell types make up the nervous system: neurons and glial cells
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Conveys sensory information from sense organs to the Central Nervous System (CNS) and carries signals back to muscles.
Somatic Nervous System: Communicates sensory information to the CNS and carries signals to skeletal muscles.
Autonomic Nervous System: Facilitates communication between the CNS and internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and glands

Brain Structure and Function

The brainstem is the oldest part of the brain.
Memory impairments seen in Alzheimer's disease are often linked to the shrinkage of the hippocampus.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for slowing or inhibiting brain activity.
A group of neurons that share the same neurotransmitter is referred to as a neural pathway or neurotransmitter system.
Glutamate can lead to brain damage during a stroke.
The pituitary gland secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream

Sensation and Perception

Sensation: Refers to the messages from the senses that provide raw information.
Perception: Describes the process of giving meaning to sensory messages, occurring in a bottom-up manner

Motivation Theories

Arousal Theory: Suggests that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal.
Evolutionary Theories: Modern offshoots of theories based on instincts.
Incentive Theories: Emphasize that the value of incentives is influenced by biological, social, and cognitive factors.
Biological Theories: Acknowledge that biological needs play a role in motivation, but they also acknowledge that other factors contribute to eating behavior.
Social Theories: Eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia, are influenced by social factors.
Cognitive Theories: We experience motivation when we perceive a discrepancy between our current situation and our desired situation.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: This theory suggests a hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization at the top. Some modern revisions replace self-actualization with needs such as finding a mate, keeping a mate, and becoming a parent.

Consciousness

Awareness of both external stimuli and our own mental activity.
Dualism: A philosophical perspective proposing that the mind and brain are distinct entities.
Materialism: A contrast to dualism, suggesting that the mind and brain are one and the same.
Theatre View: The idea that consciousness is a single phenomenon, like a stage.
Parallel Distributed Processing: The notion that the mind processes information across numerous parallel streams, with their interactions creating the experience of consciousness.
Stream of Consciousness: William James's view of consciousness as a constantly flowing and changing stream.

Consciousness States

Conscious Level: Mental activities we are normally aware of.
Non-Conscious Level: Mental activity that is inaccessible to conscious awareness.
Pre-Conscious Level: Mental activity that is not currently conscious but can be easily brought to our awareness.

Abnormal Psychology

Sociocultural Factors: Influence what is considered abnormal.
Abnormality: Often defined by deviance, distress, and dysfunction.
Biopsychosocial Approach: Views mental disorders as arising from a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
Medical Model (Neurobiological Model): Attributes mental disorders to disturbances in the anatomy or chemistry of the brain or other biological processes.
Psychological Processes: Focuses on the role of psychological processes in the development of mental disorders.
Diathesis-Stress Model: Suggests that a predisposition for a disorder, combined with sufficient stress, can trigger symptoms.

Psychotherapy Approaches

Psychoanalysis: A method of psychotherapy that aims to provide insight through understanding unconscious thoughts and emotions.
Humanistic Psychology: Emphasizes our capacity for conscious control and responsibility for our decisions.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): Learning-based treatment methods that help clients change both their thoughts and behaviors.

Neuropsychology

The branch of psychology that investigates the relationship between brain processes, behavior, and psychological functioning.
Neuropsychologists study how brain systems affect human abilities, including cognitive functions.
Clinical Neuropsychologists: Use tests and methods to understand neuropsychological problems and intact functions in individuals.
Brain Dysfunction Causes: Various factors contribute to brain dysfunction, including injuries, diseases, and genetic predispositions.
Neuropsychological Disorders: Impact various aspects of human functioning, with specific symptoms and signs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key psychological approaches including Behaviorism, the Evolutionary Approach, the Psychodynamic Approach, and the Cognitive Approach. This quiz covers foundational figures, principles, and concepts that define each perspective in psychology.