CH 1 Psychology of Scientific thinking (Terms)

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

Scientific study of the mind, brain, and behaviour

Question 2

Naive Realism

Answer 2

Belief that “truth” solely lies in observable reality (“seeing is believing”)

Question 3

Scientific Methodology

Answer 3

An approach to evidence through the usage of empirical (knowledge acquired through observation) and systematic methods (plan for objectively collecting information)

Question 4

Confirmation Bias

Answer 4

The tendency to seek out evidence that supports our beliefs and deny, dismiss, or distort evidence that contradicts them

Question 5

Belief Perseverance

Answer 5

The tendency to stick to our initial beliefs, even when evidence contradicts them (i.e., Our beliefs persevere)

Question 6

Metaphysical Claims

Answer 6

Assertion about the world that are not testable (ex. Does God exist?)

Question 7

Pseudoscience

Answer 7

A set of claims that seem scientific, but aren’t

Question 8

Introspection

Answer 8

Participants carefully reflect and report on their inner sensations and experiences

Question 9

Theoretical Frameworks of Psychology

Answer 9

Broad, theoretical perspectives that guide how people think about psychological phenomena and behaviour

Question 10

Structuralism (Who was it founded by? Primary Method? What is it? Negatives? Positives?)

Answer 10

Founded by Edward Titchener

Primary Method: Introspection

Identifies basic elements (Sensations, Images, Feelings) of the psychological experience
- What is in the mind? What is it comprised of?

Negative:

1. Disagreement among introspectionists

• Most structural elements came from physical methods without consideration for unconscious thought and its affect on out behaviours

2. Imageless thought

Positive: Attempt at systematic observation

Question 11

Functionalism ( [1]Who was it founded by? [4] What is it? )

Answer 11

Founded by William James

• Asks “why” instead of “what”

Focused on the functions and adaptive purposes of psychological characteristics (i.e., thoughts, feelings, and behaviours).

• Psychological and behavioural characteristics are adaptive (influenced by Darwin/Evolution by natural selection)

Stream of thought: The contents of the mind are better likened to a stream than a collection of fixed elements (opposite from structuralism)

Question 12

Behaviourism? ( [2] Founded by? [2,4] Negative? [2] Positive?)

Answer 12

“Founder” : John Watson
Key behaviourist: B.F. Skinner

Negative

1. Mind is a black box.

• Disregarded introspection; Believed behaviour exclusively stemmed from the objective.
• Acknowledges thinking as a behaviour, not something that causes behaviour

2. Exclusively suggests everything is learned

Positive

1. Clarified learning principles.
2. Brought a focus onto observable and verifiable subject matter.

Question 13

Cognitivism (What is it? What are the areas of cognition? What is its relation to neuroscience?)

Answer 13

Understanding thinking is central to understanding behaviour response.

• Interpretation matters
• Focused on “Black Box” (thinking/cognition)

Areas of Cognition:
- Perception
- Attention
- Language
- Memory
- Reasoning

Cognitive neuroscience: Examines relations between brain functioning and thinking

Question 14

Psychoanalysis (Founded by? What is it? Negative? Positive?)

Answer 14

Founded by Sigmund Freud

Focus on unconscious part of the mind
- Unconscious memories and drives cause behaviours

Negative

1. Freud’s “unconscious” processes are not the same as scientifically demonstrated processes.
2. Many unscientific claims, not testable.

Positive: Examines unconscious drivers of behaviours.

Question 15

Nature vs. Nurture debate

Answer 15

Are our behaviours and traits determined by genetic inheritance (nature) or by our environmental influences and experiences (nurture)?

• Early belief in Nurture
• Current belief: Both Nature and Nurture play a vital role in constructing/influencing our behaviours

Evolutionary Psychology

• Psychology traits are adaptive, helps us survive and pass on our genes
• Problem: Many explanations are not falsifiable

Question 16

Free Will vs. Determinism

Answer 16

Are our behaviours freely selected, or are they caused by factors outside of our control?

• Some argue free will is an illusion
• Many environmental factors influence us without our knowledge
• Behaviour is generated automatically

Question 17

Basic Research

Answer 17

Examines the fundamental nature of phenomena

• Contributes to a core body of knowledge

Question 18

Applied Research

Answer 18

Helps to solve or evaluate a specific real-world problem

Question 19

Scientific Skepticism 


Answer 19

• Evaluating claims with an open mind, but insisting on persuasive evidence before accepting them as true.
• Includes willingness to revise existing beliefs when challenged by new compelling evidence.
• Avoid accepting claims on the basis of authority alone