Chapter 1 Flashcards
Definition of psychology
The SCIENTIFIC study of BEHAVIOR and MENTAL PROCESSES
Science of psychology
- Critical thinking
- Skepticism
- Objectivity
- Curiosity
(This is the way psychologists approach a topic)
Psychology is not limited to
Psychological disorders.
There are many different types, for example positive psychology
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
- Established first psychology lab
- Focused on structuralism
Wundt’s structuralism
- Structures of the mind
- Introspection (the process that is used)
William James (1842-1920)
- Focused on functionalism
- Gave psychology the American stamp
James’ functionalism
- Functions / purposes of the mind
- Minds interactions with outside world
- Stream of consciousness
Natural selection
- By Charles Darwin
- Competition for resources
- Favors genetic characteristics that promote reproduction and survival
- Environmental changes alter course of evolution
Contemporary approaches
- Biological
- Behavioral
- Psychodynamic
- Humanistic
- Cognitive
- Evolutionary
- Sociocultural
Behavioral approach
Rejects explanations referencing thought. Focused on what is able to be seen
Psychodynamic approach
- Unconscious thoughts
- Early childhood family experiences
- Conflict between biological drives and demands of society
(Freud)
Humanistic approach
- Positive human qualities / potential
- Free will
Cognitive approach
- Mental process involved in knowing
- Information processing (how humans interpret incoming info, weigh it, store it, and apply it)
Evolutionary approach
Explanations of human behavior
- adaptation
- reproduction
- natural selection
Sociocultural approach
Social and cultural environments
- difference between ethnic and cultural groups
- difference within and across countries
