Chapter 1: Evolution of Psychology

Question 0

Introspection

Answer 0

Method of Structuralism

Systematic self-observation of one’s own conscious experience

Question 1

Structuralism

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Functionalism

Answer 2

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)

Question 3

Psychoanalysis

Answer 3

(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)

Question 4

Unconscious

Answer 4

Contains thoughts, memories, desires well below surface of consciousness but still exerts influence on behavior

Question 5

Psychoanalytic Theory

Answer 5

Explains personality, motivation & mental disorders by focusing on unconscious behavior (ex. Dreams, slips of tongue)

Question 6

Behaviorism

Answer 6

(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

Question 7

Observable Behavior

Answer 7

Behavior an overt response or reaction that is observable

Question 8

Skinner (1904-1990)

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Humanism

Answer 9

(Developed from behaviorism & psychoanalytic theory)

Emphasizes unique qualities of humans especially their freedom & their potential for personal growth (optimistic)

Question 10

Applied Psychology

Answer 10

Branch of psych concerned with everyday, practical problems

Question 11

Clinical Psychology

Answer 11

Branch of psych concerned with diagnosis and treatment (made popular after world war 2)

Question 12

Cognition

Answer 12

(Conscious) mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge (aka involves thinking or conscious experience)

Question 13

Roots of Psychology

Answer 13

Cognition & Physiology

Question 14

Two reasons for Increased Interest in Cultural Diversity

Answer 14

1. Advances in communication, travel, international trade lead to increase in global interdependence which lead to more americans & europeans in contact with non western cultures
2. Diversity in ethnic makeup of western world
   Psych wants to learn more about cultures effect on people from their point of view

Question 15

Evolutionary Psych

Answer 15

Examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for members of a species over the course of generations (base premise: natural selection)

Question 16

Positive Psychology

Answer 16

Theory & research is used to understand positive, adaptive, creative & fulfilling aspects of human existence

Question 17

3 Areas of Interest of Positive Psychology

Answer 17

1. Positive Subject Experiences
2. Positive Individual Traits
3. Positive Institutions & Comunities

Question 18

Positive Subject Experiences (positive psych)

Answer 18

Positive emotions (happiness, love, gratitude, contentment, hope)

Question 19

Positive Individual Traits (positive psych)

Answer 19

Personal strengths, virtues (courage, perseverance, nurturance, tolerance, creativity, integrity, kindness)

Question 20

Positive Institutions & Communities (positive psych)

Answer 20

How societies can foster civil discourse, strong family, healthy work environments , supportive neighborhood comunities

Question 21

Psychiatry

Answer 21

Branch of medicine concerned with diagnosis & treatment of psychological problems & disorders (different than clinical psych bc psychiatry needs a phd and clinical us md

Question 22

Stability vs. Change

Answer 22

(Eternally unresolved issues)

How stable are traits & functioning of an individual through life span; do people change?

Question 23

Stages vs. Linear Development

Answer 23

(Eternally unresolved issues)

As we progress during stages do we gradually gain knowledge or do skills appear at certain times

Question 24

Rationality vs. Irrationality

Answer 24

(Eternally unresolved issues)

Can we apply rational logic to irrational behavior or disorders

Question 25

Nature vs. Nurture

Answer 25

(Eternally unresolved issues)
Genes vs environment
Ex. Minor genetic advantage leads to environmental effect. Basketball coach choosing taller kid