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PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1 - Coggle Diagram
PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1
BIOLOGICAL APPROACH
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NEUROTRANSMITTERS
Neurons are the cells that form the basis of the nervous system. The nervous system is enhanced by having branches (dendrites) at the end of each neuron so each neuron connects to others.
Neurons communicate at a synapse, the message is relayed by chemical messengers (neurotransmitters.
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Serotonin plays a role in mood, sleep and appetite, too little serotonin can result in depression
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EVOLUTIONARY INFLUENCES
The theory of evolution has been used to explain how the human mind and behaviour have changed over millions of years so they are adapted to the demands of our individual environments.
Darwin's theory of natural selection is that genetically determined behaviour that enhances an individuals chance of survival and reproduction.
One of the key concepts is the environments of evolutionary adaptiveness (EEA). This is the environment to which any species is adapted to selective pressures that existed at that time.
EEA can explain why humans have such large brains in comparison to their body size, it has evolved in response to complex social organisations in our species.
Certain genes and characteristics are key to survival, so they are reproductively passed on.
RELATIONSHIP FORMATION
NEUROTRANSMITTERS- the chemicals in the brain have a powerful influence on our feelings and emotions and influence our perception of others. Dopamine has been associated with pleasure seeking, so setting the goal of finding a partner and achieving this will increase dopamine. Oxytocin is linked to human bonding and high levels of oxytocin have been linked to romantic attachment. We have a natural chemical drive to bond with others.
EXAMPLE- evolutionary theory can also explain close relationships in siblings. There is also kin selection, traits that enhance the survival of those with similar genes, so we have a natural incentive to look after our siblings.
EVOLUTIONARY- relationships form with individuals who possess certain traits that enhance reproduction and survival. Males and females have different selective pressures. Men seek women with a thin waist, youthful appearance and who are young and healthy. Women seek men who have signs of fertility and health, can provide for them and help offspring to survive. This is shown in parental investment theory, where older men marry younger women.
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COGNITIVE APPROACH
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SCHEMAS
They are organised packets of information that are built up through experiences and stored in our long term memory. They are usually derived from past experiences but can be refined by further experiences with people and the world around us.
Schemas do not necessarily represent reality as they are normally built up by social exchanges such as the media and conversations with others
Schemas can take different forms, such as role schemas, which determines peoples roles such as doctors, and event schemas such as going to a restaurant, these are known as scripts.
The burglar schema for example, states that there is a cognitive stereotype for what a burglar should look like, probably young, male, dark clothing etc.
COMPUTER ANALOGY
Human mind is like a computer, we take in info (input) store it (process) and recall it when necessary (output). During the process stage, we use the cognitive skills of perception, attention and memory, so the mind is compared to the hardware of a computer
The multistore model of memory by Atkinson and Shiffrin proposed information is put into the brain through senses, moves to the short term memory store and then the long term memory store.
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BEHAVIOURIST APPROACH
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RELATIONSHIP FORMATION
CLASSICAL- as well as liking people that we share a positive experience with, we also like people that are associated with positive events. If you meet someone whilst happy, you are more likely to like them compared to is you meet someone whilst unhappy.
EXAMPLE- the principles of operant conditioning are used in pet training and help to form good pet-owner relationships. Dog training often involves rewarding good behaviour with treats. These rewards will increase happiness and the behaviour is more likely to be repeated. The presence of a pet is generally associated with positive feelings such as companionship and loyalty (Pavlov).
OPERANT- relationships are positively reinforcing as the attention and compliments a partner gives are rewarding, leading to a repetition of the behaviour. It also may help to reject feelings of loneliness and rejection, which is negatively reinforcing. We also may feel punished if we re not in a relationship, such as being excluded from couples events. This will decrease the likelihood of wanting to be alone.
POSITIVE APPROACH
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Focus on the good life
There are three desirable lives in positive psychology, the good life, the pleasant life and the meaningful life.
The pleasant life consist of happiness coming from pursuing emotions in relation to past, present and future.
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The meaningful life is happiness that comes from a deep sense of fulfilment by living for a purpose greater than oneself.
To achieve the good life, we must develop our strengths and virtues (knowledge, courage, spirituality) as natural routes to gratification and to help us function in life.
The good life is a combination of three elements: positive connections to others, positive individual traits and life regulation qualities.
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RELATIONSHIP FORMATION
The good life- the good life is a place of happiness and good relationships. One of the areas of the good life is a positive connection to others, which explains relationship formation, its our ability to love, trust, forgive and pursue happiness. These emotions and experiences lead us to pursue the good life within a relationship
EXAMPLE- in humans, we seek friendships to encourage authentic expression with others such as kindness, love and generosity for both parties involved. It helps to prevent negative stages such as anxiety or depression, and focus on the positive aspects of live, people feel happier when engaging in activities that increase their connection to a friend.
Authenticity of goodness and excellence- feelings of love, kindness and generosity are authentic and can explain why relationships are formed. Maintaining a relationship develops and individuals signature strengths and strive towards a more content life.
PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACH
THE UNCONSCIOUS MIND
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The unconscious mind is ruled by pleasure seeking and is unlogical, cannot be accessed directly, expresses itself indirectly through dreams, determines much of our behaviour and we are motivated by unconscious drives. It contains unresolved conflicts and have a powerful effect on our behaviour and experiences
Unconscious is also related to ego defence mechanisms. Conflicts between ego, id and super ego create anxiety. These defences can be the cause of disturbed behaviour if they are overused
Defence mechanisms also include: Displacement (transfer of impulses from one person or object to another), Projection (Undesirable thoughts are attributed to someone else) and repression (pushing painful memories deep down into the unconscious mind, so forgotten)
TRIPARTITE PERSONALITY
Freud believed that the adult personality is structured into three different stages that develop at different stages in our lives.
Id: Impulsive, unconscious, present from birth, demands satisfaction, PLEASURE PRINCIPLE, gains pleasure and gratification at any cost.
Ego: Conscious, rational, develops at the age of two, realistic, REALITY PRINCIPLE
Super ego: Forms around the age of four, sense of right and wrong, seeks to perfect and civilise our behaviour, leant through identification with others.
Id and superego are often in conflict, ego has to resolve the conflict by considering the consequences of actions.
Three parts are symbolic processes, not physically present
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