Chapter 1 Flashcards
Psychology
The scientific study of mental processes
Structuralism
Wilhelm Wundt’s approach. It focuses on uncovering the fundamental mental components of consciousness, thinking, and other kinds of mental states and activities.
Introspection
A procedure used to study the structure of the mind in which subjects are asked to describe in detail what they are experiencing when they are exposed to a stimulus.
Functionalism
An early approach to psychology, led by William James, that concentrated on what the mind does, the functions of mental activity, and the role of behavior in allowing people to adapt to their environments.
Gestalt Psychology
An approach to psychology that focuses on the organization of perception and thinking in a “whole” sense rather than on the individual elements of perception.
Neuroscience Perspective
The approach that views behavior from the perspective of the brain, the nervous system, and other biological functions
Psychodynamic perspective
The approach based on the view that behavior is motivated by unconscious inner forces over which the individual has little control.
Behavioral perspective
The approach that suggests that observable, measurable behavior should be the focus of study.
Cognitive perspective
The approach that focuses on how people think, understand, and know about the world.
Humanistic perspective
The approach that suggests that all individuals naturally strive to grow, develop, and be in control of their lives and behavior.
Free Will
The idea that behavior is caused primarily by choices that are made freely by the individual.
Determinism
The idea that people’s behavior is produced primarily by factors outside of their willful control.
