Chapter 1 Flashcards
The Science of Psycology
What is the definition of psychology?
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Define science:
Systematic observation of the natural world and behavior to draw conclusions
Define behavior:
Everything we do that can be directly observed
Define mental processes:
Internal experiences, like thoughts and feelings, that can’t be directly observed
Who is Wilhelm Wundt?
“Father of Psychology”; established the first Psychology lab
Who is William James?
“Father of American Psychology”; introduced functionalism
What is Structuralism?
Deals with the structure of the mind
What is Functionalism?
Focuses on the function of psychological elements
Biological/Neuroscience Research
Studies how the brain and nervous system influence behavior, thoughts, emotions, and actions
Behavioral Research
Concerned with overt, observable behavior
Psychodynamic Research
Studies how unconscious processes affect behavior, emotions, and personality
Who is Sigmund Freud?
Introduced Psychoanalysis, put psychology on the road to popularity
Humanistic Research
Focuses on psychological health, growth, and satisfying needs
Cognitive Research
Investigates how we perceive, process, and remember information
Evolutionary Research
Examines psychological processes through natural selection, where survival traits are passed down
Sociocultural Research
Studies social interactions, cultural practices, and social norms
Define culture:
Shared beliefs, values, norms, and customs
Biopsychosocial Research
Explores the connection between brain activity and psychological processes
Define critical thinking:
Process of thinking deeply and actively, questioning, and evaluating evidence
How does being a critical thinker help you make better decisions?
Encourages questioning and testing facts, focusing on research over personal beliefs and emotions
What is the empirical method?
Gaining knowledge by observing, collecting data, and reasoning logically
What is a variable?
Anything that can be measured or quantified
What is a theory?
An explanation that attempts to explain observations
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction arrived at logically from a theory
What is an operational definition?
Defining a behavior or circumstance in a way that can be observed and measured objectively
What is descriptive research?
Describes a phenomenon without attempting to determine what causes it
What are the subtypes of descriptive research?
Observational, survey, and case studies
What is observational research?
Observing and recording behavior without interference
What is survey research?
Collect data from large groups of people
What are case studies?
In-depth investigations of an individual or group
What is correlational research?
A measure (r) of how two factors vary and predict each other
How do we measure a correlation coefficient’s direction and strength?
Correlation strength ranges from -1 to 1; closer to 1 means a stronger correlation
List the three different types of correlations
Perfect positive (r=1), perfect negative (r=-1), zero correlation (r=0)
What does a correlation of r=1 mean?
When one variable increases, so does the other
What does a correlation of r=-1 mean?
When one variable increases, the other decreases
What does a correlation of r=0 mean?
Data does not seem to show any direction of correlation
Why can correlation research not cause causation?
Correlation does not imply direct causation; it’s a possible, not definite, relationship
What is an experiment?
A method where factors are manipulated to observe their effect on behavior or mental processes
What is the important thing to remember about experiments?
They’re the only method that can show causation.
What does random assignment mean?
Randomly assigning participants to experimental and control groups
Why is random assignment important?
Reduces pre-existing differences between participants to avoid bias in results
What are the two variable types in an experiment?
Cause and effect: Independent variable (IV) causes changes in the dependent variable (DV)
What is an independent variable?
The cause; the variable controlled or manipulated by the experimenter
What is a dependent variable?
The effect; the variable influenced by the cause, not manipulated
Who is in an experimental group?
Variables that are being manipulated
Who is in a control group?
Variables who do not have any manipulation done
Why do researchers need both experimental and control groups?
Both are needed to test a theory/hypothesis and measure the IV’s effect
Define placebo:
A harmless pill or procedure
What is the placebo effect?
When beneficiaries show improvement after taking a placebo, but the placebo itself has no actual effects
What is a population?
An entire group of variables that are being described
What is a sample?
A portion of the entire group being described
What does it mean to have a random sample?
Selecting a sample where every member has an equal chance of being included
What is naturalistic observation?
Observing and recording behavior in natural situations without manipulation or control
Who is Francis Cecil Sumner?
“Father of Black Psychology”; the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in psychology
List a few unique facts about Dr. Sumner
- Was 15 when admitted at Lincoln Uni.
- Was drafted into the Army during WWi
- Studied the psychology of religion
- Received a B.A. in Philosophy and English
- Revamped and improved the Department of Psychology at Howard Uni.
