Chapter 1: Evolution of Psychology Flashcards
Introspection
Method of Structuralism
Systematic self-observation of one’s own conscious experience
Structuralism
The school of thought that believes that psychology’s purpose is to analyze consciousness into it’s basic elements & investigate how the elements are related
Functionalism
The school of thought that believes psych should investigate function of consciousness rather than structure (concerned with why we have conscious rather than how it works)
Psychoanalysis
(Sigmund freud) an insight therapy that emphasizes the recovery of unconscious conflicts, motives, and defenses through techniques such as free association and transference. (Treated people with irrational fears, obsessions, anxieties)
Unconscious
Contains thoughts, memories, desires well below surface of consciousness but still exerts influence on behavior
Psychoanalytic Theory
Explains personality, motivation & mental disorders by focusing on unconscious behavior (ex. Dreams, slips of tongue)
Behaviorism
(Developed from functionalism)
Psych should only study observable behavior. Believe that environment is a greater influence on behavior than heredity is. Not interested in conscious/unconscious
Observable Behavior
Behavior an overt response or reaction that is observable
Skinner (1904-1990)
Believed that internal mental events exist but cannot be studied scientifically.
In organisms: responses lead to outcomes and outcomes control responses
Free will is an illusion, we are controlled by environment
Humanism
(Developed from behaviorism & psychoanalytic theory)
Emphasizes unique qualities of humans especially their freedom & their potential for personal growth (optimistic)
Applied Psychology
Branch of psych concerned with everyday, practical problems
Clinical Psychology
Branch of psych concerned with diagnosis and treatment (made popular after world war 2)
Cognition
(Conscious) mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge (aka involves thinking or conscious experience)
Roots of Psychology
Cognition & Physiology
Two reasons for Increased Interest in Cultural Diversity
- Advances in communication, travel, international trade lead to increase in global interdependence which lead to more americans & europeans in contact with non western cultures
- Diversity in ethnic makeup of western world
Psych wants to learn more about cultures effect on people from their point of view
Evolutionary Psych
Examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for members of a species over the course of generations (base premise: natural selection)
Positive Psychology
Theory & research is used to understand positive, adaptive, creative & fulfilling aspects of human existence
3 Areas of Interest of Positive Psychology
- Positive Subject Experiences
- Positive Individual Traits
- Positive Institutions & Comunities
Positive Subject Experiences (positive psych)
Positive emotions (happiness, love, gratitude, contentment, hope)
Positive Individual Traits (positive psych)
Personal strengths, virtues (courage, perseverance, nurturance, tolerance, creativity, integrity, kindness)
Positive Institutions & Communities (positive psych)
How societies can foster civil discourse, strong family, healthy work environments , supportive neighborhood comunities
Psychiatry
Branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis & treatment of psychological problems & disorders (different than clinical psych bc psychiatry needs a phd and clinical us md
Stability vs. Change
(Eternally unresolved issues)
How stable are traits & functioning of an individual through life span; do people change?
Stages vs. Linear Development
(Eternally unresolved issues)
As we progress during stages do we gradually gain knowledge or do skills appear at certain times
