Chapter 1 Exam 1 (definitions)

Question 1

Behaviorism

Answer 1

An approach to psychology that suggests observable behavior should be the only topic of study, ignoring conscious experience. (John B. Watson & B.F. Skinner)

Question 2

Dualism

Answer 2

The philosophical position that the mind and the body are entirely separate from one another. (Rene Descartes)

Question 3

Empiricism

Answer 3

The view that knowledge arises directly from experience.

Question 4

Functionalism

Answer 4

An early movement in psychology whose proponents believed that an understanding of a behavior or process’ function was critical to understanding its operation. (William James & James Rowland Angell)

Question 5

Humanistic Psychology

Answer 5

An approach to psychology that emphasizes the ability of humans to make their own choices and realize their own potential. (Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Martin Seligmen)

Question 6

Psychoanalysis

Answer 6

A form of psychotherapy coined by Sigmund Freud that seeks to help clients gain more insight into their unconscious thoughts, behaviors, and motivations. (Sigmund Freud)

Question 7

Structuralism

Answer 7

The first movement in the history of psychology, which focused on breaking down immediate conscious experience (such as sensations and feelings) into their constituent parts. (Wlhelm Wundt)

Question 8

Positive Psychology

Answer 8

An outgrowth of humanistic psychology, positive psychology studies specific virtues of the human experience, including topics such as happiness, trust, charity, and gratitude. (Martin Seligman)

Question 9

Psychiatrist

Answer 9

A medical doctor who is trained to assess and treat psychological disorders. Psychiatrists often prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.