Psychology Chapter: Learning Theories and Structuralism

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Questions and Answers

What psychological approach did Wilhelm Wundt establish?

Cognitive Psychology

Structuralism (correct)

Functionalism

Behaviorism

Which method did Structuralists primarily use to explore the mind?

Behavioral observation

Case studies

Introspectionism (correct)

Statistical analysis

What components did Structuralists break consciousness down into?

Sensations, images, and affections (correct)

Concepts, perceptions, and memories

Instincts, drives, and stimuli

Behavior, cognition, and emotion

How would a Structuralist investigate the perception of a triangle?

By breaking down sensations and organizing them into perception Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's work is recognized as significant in the context of learning and behavior?

Ivan Pavlov Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Structuralism in psychology?

The components of conscious experience Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumption is made by Structuralists about psychological processes?

They are products of physiological actions in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of learning was explored in the context of habits?

Where habits reside in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the absolute threshold in the context of sensation?

The point at which a stimulus is detected 50% of the time Signup and view all the answers

Which concept refers to the smallest increase or decrease in a physical stimulus needed to notice a change?

Differential threshold Signup and view all the answers

According to Weber's Law, the just noticeable difference (JND) is determined as:

A constant proportion of the original stimulus amount Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of early psychophysics?

Understanding the relationship between physical stimuli and mental perceptions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the theories in early psychophysics is highlighted as a strength?

They are clear, understandable, and practical Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method used in introspection?

Self-observation and reporting of experiences Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of elemental analysis in the context of perception?

To identify the elementary mental processes involved in perception Signup and view all the answers

What role do cues play in the habit loop?

They trigger the initiation of the habit Signup and view all the answers

What might internal cues include?

Emotions and physical sensations Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the reward phase of the habit loop?

Dopamine is released in the brain Signup and view all the answers

How did structuralism contribute to psychology despite facing criticism?

It laid the foundational role for psychology as a science Signup and view all the answers

What is a common external cue in the habit loop?

Receiving a smartphone notification Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines functionalism?

Examining mental processes based on their goal or purpose Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Theories

Early researchers used experimental designs to understand human behavior through sensory, perceptual, and cognitive perspectives.
Early researchers, such as Ivan Pavlov, focused on how our bodies learn about habits.
Early researchers studied the nature of knowledge from philosophical and scientific viewpoints.
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920) was a German psychologist who is often considered the founding father of experimental psychology.

Structuralism

Structuralism is a school of psychology that focuses on the basic elements of consciousness.
Structuralism seeks to understand the structure of the mind by breaking it down into its elementary parts.
Structuralism uses introspection as a primary research method, where individuals are asked to carefully reflect on and report their conscious experiences.

Early Psychophysics

Early psychophysics studied the relationship between physical stimuli and psychological sensations.
Understanding the absolute threshold is a key part of psychophysics.
The absolute threshold is the smallest amount of a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.
The difference threshold, also known as the just noticeable difference (JND), refers to the smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.
Weber’s Law states that the JND is a constant proportion of the original stimulus.

The Habit Loop

The habit loop is a three-part process that describes how habits are formed and maintained.
The cue initiates the habit loop and can be internal or external.
The routine is the behavioral response triggered by the cue.
The reward is the positive outcome that reinforces the habit loop.
The reward can be tangible or intangible, and it provides a sense of satisfaction or pleasure.
The habit loop becomes ingrained over time, making the behavior automatic and almost unconscious.
Understanding the habit loop can help us understand how habits are formed and how they can be changed.

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Description

This quiz explores foundational concepts in psychology, focusing on early researchers and their contributions to learning theories, structuralism, and psychophysics. It delves into the experimental approaches used to understand human behavior and the basic elements of consciousness. Test your knowledge on key figures and concepts that laid the groundwork for modern psychology.