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Student Number: 4392-524-3

Date: 04/04/2013

PYC4808 - Assignment 1

Unique Assignment Number: 199603

Table of Contents:

Table of contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..Pg. 1 Definition and example of epistemology…………………………………………….………………………....Pg. 2 Definition and example of theory……………………………………………………………………………………Pg. 2 Definition and example of a model…………………………………………………………………………………Pg. 2 Definition and example of a technique………………………………………………………………….……….Pg. 2 Reference list………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Pg. 3

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Definition Epistemology Epistemology is concerned with the nature and scope of knowledge, its pre-suppositions and foundations, and its extent and validity. Epistemology investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of human knowledge. Epistemology is one of the key defining characteristics of what it means to be human…to become conscious of your ways of knowing, and reinforce your confidence in that knowledge. Theory Theory is a set of statements, or principles devised to explain a group of facts / phenomena especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena.   

Example Truth itself – How can we know that something is true?

Classical Conditioning Freud’s Theory of Psychosexual Development

Model

A model is usually a system for representing scientific knowledge concerning psychological aspects. A theory may have different models (different interpretations).

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Biological Model Medical Model Psychodynamic Model

Technique

Methods used in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural, personality and mental disorders. A systematic procedure by which a complex / scientific task is accomplished.

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Flooding (A psychotherapeutic technique used to treat anxiety and phobia disorders).