1.10 - Key Terms

Behaviour encompasses everything we do, from simple actions like blinking when something flies at us to complex interactions like engaging in conversation. It includes observable actions that can be seen (overt behaviour) as well as internal reactions that are not directly observable (covert behaviour).

Behaviourism suggests that all behaviours are acquired through conditioning processes. It does not focus on thoughts or feelings, but on the ways that external stimuli shape responses. Behaviourists believe in measuring behaviour scientifically and objectively.

Cognitive processes are what the mind does. This includes perceiving the world, making decisions, remembering information, and solving problems. Cognition is integral to how we interpret our experiences and make sense of our environment.

This approach examines internal mental processes and how they influence behaviour, emphasizing the importance of understanding how thoughts and perceptions affect actions. The cognitive approach looks at how information is processed in the mind, akin to how a computer processes data.

Consciousness encompasses everything we are aware of, from the thoughts flowing through our minds to the sensations we experience in our environment. It plays a crucial role in memory and decision-making, as it allows us to reflect, evaluate, and engage with the world purposefully.

According to constructivism, knowledge is not passively acquired but actively built by the learner. This approach emphasizes the role of exploration and context in learning, promoting real-life experiences as critical for knowledge retention.

This branch of psychology focuses on the various stages of human growth and development, from childhood through old age, examining how biological, psychological, and environmental factors interact to influence development.

This perspective emphasizes the role of mental processes and behaviours in adaptation, arguing that psychological processes have evolved because they serve a function, helping individuals cope with their environment.

Gestalt psychologists argue that the whole of experience is more significant than the sum of its parts. This means that our minds perceive complex patterns and images as unified wholes.

Gestalt psychology has greatly influenced the understanding of perception, where instead of breaking down experiences into elements, it posits that the mind organizes these elements into meaningful wholes, shaping how we interact with the world.

Humanists believe in the inherent worth of all individuals and their capability for personal growth. This perspective emphasizes understanding experiences from the individual's point of view, aiming for self-improvement.

This method involves looking inward to reflect on one’s own mental processes. It's a self-analysis technique often used in psychology to gain insights into personal experiences and behaviours.

The mind is an abstract concept that includes consciousness and unconscious processes. It is central to psychology as it governs our mental health, emotional experiences, and cognitive functions.

Neuropsychology looks at how different regions of the brain are connected to thoughts and behaviours. It helps us understand how brain injuries affect cognition and emotional regulation.

This area focuses on understanding how bodily processes like hormones, neurotransmitters, and genetic factors influence our mental states and behaviours.

Founded by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis posits that unconscious thoughts and feelings affect our behaviour. This approach aims to make the unconscious conscious, leading to self-awareness and healing.

Sociology examines how social influences shape behaviours, interactions, and structures within societies. It provides valuable insights into collective behavior and social norms.

Stimuli can be external (like sounds or sights) or internal (like thoughts or feelings) and can provoke a reaction, whether it's a change in behaviour or emotional response.

Rooted in the work of Wilhelm Wundt, structuralism focused on breaking down mental processes into their basic components. It aimed to explore how these parts combined to form conscious experiences.