Psychology 2310A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Behavioural Genetics, Executive Functions, Oral Stage

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2310A/B
• Professor: Kathryn Turnbull

Document Summary

Theories are useful because they lead to more research being done and more information being discovered. We should judge theories by how much they expanded research, not whether they were right or wrong. Single-factor theory: belief that a particular disorder is caused by a single thing. Interactionist explanations: behaviour is the product of a variety of interacting factors: developed as knowledge increases, take many components into account, physical/biological, environmental, social, cognitive. Some theories are very broad and try to explain all abnormal behaviour: ex. Incorporates most of the current knowledge in an easy to understand way: prediction, make new testable predictions. It is possible to specify evidence that can disprove the theory. Increases activation of the anterior cingulated cortex, medial and lateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex: all related to reflective processes of cognitive control of negative emotions, demonstrates that external factors can affect biological functioning. Six most commonly studied causes: biological, psychodynamic, behavioural/cognitive-behavioural, cognitive, humanistic.