Chapter 1 Flashcards
hindsight bias
the feeling that “I knew it all along”
psychomythology
collective body of misinformation about human nature
basic research
focuses on collecting data for support/refute theories
[gathers knowledge for knowledge; conducted in labs]
[ex. exploration of human sensory abilities, trauma, and memory]
applied research
focuses on changing behaviors + outcomes
[leads to real world applications, e.g. natural disaster response]
[conducted in natural settings]
what are the 4 main goals of psychology?
- describe (describe/report what is observed)
- explain (organize + understand observations)
- predict (what will happen in the future + connect with another setting)
- control (use/apply findings to shape + change behavior in beneficial ways)
empiricism
learn through sensory experiences; know reality through perception
[believed by Aristotle]
nature vs. nurture
nature: inborn knowledge; conceived by Plato
nurture: gained through experience; conceived by Aristotle
dualism
body + mind interact as separate entities
[conceived by Descartes; body = tangible machine, mind - no substance]
who figured out that mind and body work together through sensation?
Gustav Theodor Fechner
[considered founder of physiological psychology]
who founded the 1st psychology lab?
Wilhelm Wundt
[considered father of psychology]
introspection
examination of one’s own conscious activities
structuralism
early school of psych, used introspection to determine structure + most basic elements of the mind
Wundt vs. Titchener
Wundt: focus on objective + quantitative reports of conscious experiences
Titchener: detailed reports of subjective experiences
objective vs. subjective
objective: free of opinion, beliefs, expectations, and values
subjective: unique/personal
functionalism
early school of psych, focused on function of thought processes, feelings, and behaviors + how they help us adapt to the environment
[founded by William James, inspired by Darwin]
