Chapter 1

Question 1

Define common sense

Answer 1

Judgement derived from experiences ( based on beliefs, fear, hope, expectations)

Question 2

Define psychology

Answer 2

Scientific study of mind behaviour (action, reaction) and mental processes

Question 3

Is psychology a science? If so, why?

Answer 3

Yes, uses the scientific method (empirical evidence, critical thinking)

Question 4

List the 4 goals of psychology

Answer 4

1. Description 2. Explanation 3. Prediction 4. Change/influence

Question 5

Describe description (goal)

Answer 5

Taking note of behaviours, observing (collecting data) situations

Question 6

Describe explanation (goal)

Answer 6

Why behaviours, mental processes occur due to different causes

Question 7

Describe prediction (goal)

Answer 7

Identifying conditions causing behaviours/ mental processes to occur

Question 8

Which philosophers are the roots of psychology?

Answer 8

Rene Descartes, Plato, Aristotle

Question 9

Define dualism

Answer 9

Rene Descartes; mind and body are separate, integrated parts

Question 10

Define nativism

Answer 10

Plato; Certain kinds of knowledge are inborn/innate

Question 11

Define tabula rasa

Answer 11

Aristotle; blank slate, knowledge is gained through experiences

Question 12

Define structuralism

Answer 12

wilhelm Wundt (father of pysch) and Edward Titchener (student); mind makes up basic elements of structure, observe relationship between parts; introspection as a method of subjectively observing one’s experiences

Question 13

Define functionalism

Answer 13

Process of conscious activity instead of individual components; William James; wondered how mind adapted to enviro.; inspired by Darwin’s theory of natural selection; “father of modern Psychology”

Question 14

Define gestalt psychology

Answer 14

Opposite of structuralism; Max werthemeir; influential in psychology, perception

Question 15

Define psychoanalysis

Answer 15

Sigmund Freud; behaviour influenced by unconscious thoughts, impulse, desire; unseen/ unconscious is key to understanding; theory of personality; life problems rooted in unresolved childhood trauma buried in unconscious

Question 16

Define behaviourism

Answer 16

Study of observable behaviour; animals learn by interacting with environment; stimulus -> response

Question 17

What is the difference between John B Watson and BF Skinner’s opinions on behaviourism

Answer 17

JBW: observable, measurable, objective, scientific
BF: operant conditioning, reward and punishment, reinforcement

Question 18

Define humanistic pyschology

Answer 18

Uniqueness, choice, growth, psychological health, innate goodness, free will; Self-actualization (making use of talents/abilities, maximizing full potential, making free choices)

Question 19

List the 5 levels of the hierarchy of needs and actualization

Answer 19

1. Physiological 2. Safety (BASIC)
2. Belongingness, love 4. Esteem (PYSCHOLOGICAL)
3. Self-actualization (Self-fulfillement)

Question 20

List all the perspectives of pyschology (9)

Answer 20

Evolutionary, cultural, cognitive, emotional, biological-neuroscience/phyisological, social/socio-cultural, behaviourism, pyschonanalysis, humanistic

Question 21

Define evolutionary pyschology

Answer 21

Behaviours due to evol. adaptation, natural selection, evolution of m.p; due to human’s need to adapt in order to survive; mind adapt slower than changes in social norms

Question 22

Define cultural pyschology

Answer 22

Ways culture can affect thoughts and preferences; values, traditions, beliefs all same within given culture

Question 23

Define cognitive pyschology

Answer 23

Two types: perspective vs neuroscience

Question 24

Define cognitive neuroscience

Answer 24

Study of brain function; aim to understand links between cognitive processes and brain activityD

Question 25

Define cognitive perspective

Answer 25

M.p. (perception, learning, thoughts, memories, language); computers based on human mind

Question 26

Define emotional pyschology

Answer 26

Human capacity to feel, express, perceive emotions; how emotions affect decision-making, behaviour, relationships

Question 27

Define biological-neuroscience pyschology

Answer 27

AKA PHYSIOLOGICAL; how biology affects thoughts, actions, behaviours; neurotransmitters, hormones, heredity

Question 28

Define social perspective

Answer 28

How social context can influence thoughts, feelings, behaviours; causes and consequences of interpersonal relationships