chapter 1 Flashcards
psychology
scientific study of behaviour/mental processes
goals of psychology
description, explanation, prediction, influence
theory
general principle or set of principles. Organizes facts systematically. Can be proven
Basic research
Seeks new knowledge. Explores advances general scientific understanding. Answers goals of theory
Applied research
solving practical problems.Applying research to life
descriptive research methods
Naturalistic observation laboratory observation Case study method survey research correlational studies
Naturalistic observation
observe/record behaviour in natural setting
no attempt to influence or control behaviour
Laboratory observation
more precise equipment to measure responses. Less spontaneity of behaviour
Case study method
interviews/observations. Can’t establish cause of disorders. in depth study overtime
survey research
use interviews/questionnaire. Obtain specific information about groups.Show changes of attitudes/behaviours overtime.
interviews
personal characteristics can influence outcome. Subconsciously change answers. To avoid bias need outsider to conduct.
correlational studies
can’t determine cause just relationship. useful in making predictions. establish relationship correlational between 2 characteristics.
correlational coefficient
indicates degree and direction of relationship between 2 variables.
+1.00 perfect + correlational
-1.00 perfect - correlational
anything less than 80 % not usually strong
correlational predication
stronger relationship = better prediction. correlational does not equal cause.
experimental method
searching for cause. will give cause and effect. Test hypothesis (educated guess)
independent variable
manipulated to determine if causing change in behaviour or condition
Dependent variable
measured at end of experiment
varies at IV manipulated
experimental group
participants exposed to IV
control group
exposed to same environment as experimental group but not given IV treatments used for comparison
selectional bias
systematic differences among groups present at beginning of experiment. Solution random assignment (random participants assigned)
experimenter bias
preconceived expectations influence participants behaviour or interpretation of results. Solution double blind ( unknown who is in treatment or control group)
Placebo effect
response to treatment due to expectations rather than treatment. Inert substance (sugar pill, saline solution)
population
sample
representative sample
population = entire group of interest sample = portion of population studied rs = subgroups in same proportion as population
founder of psychology
willhelm wundt
Lab in Lipzeig Germany 1879
searching for structure of conscience experience
Edward bradford tichtener
introduced psychology to north america. came up with structuralism.
Structuralism
analyze basic structure of conscious mental experience
Functionalism
Strong impact from Charles Darwin’s book (Origins of species by means of natural selection. Broadened scope of psychology to include study of behaviour and mental processes
Gestalt Psychology
Leader was Max Wertheimer. Introduced famous experiment of phi phenomenon. Influence the psychology of perception today.
Behaviourism
John.B Watson
observable/ measureable behaviour
environmental factors determine behvaiour
B.F skinner operant or deliberate conditioning criticism
ignores mental processes thoughts, feelings
Psychoanalysis
Sigmund Freud
unseen, unconscious, mental forces key to understanding human behaviour
psychoanalysis and iceberg theory
CONTROVERSY
emphasis on sexual and aggressive impulses
Humanistic psychology
uniqueness, health, growth,
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and self-actualization
Carl Rogers- person centered therapy
Cognitive psychology
Mental processes: memory, problem solving, concept formation, reasoning, decision making, language
parellele processing
PET scans
Biological perspective
(current)
Brain, central nervous system, neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones, genes
Neuroscience study of brain functioning
Evolutionary perspective
(current)
Humans evolved and adapted to survive
adaptation of mind is not at same pace as social circumstances
Sociocultural perspective
(current)
social and cultural influences on human behaviour
importance of understanding influences when interpreting behaviours of others
