Chapter 1 - The Evolution of Psychology

Question 1

Define psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Question 2

Psychology was created from what two disciplines?

Answer 2

Philosophy and physiology

Question 3

Define empiricism

Answer 3

The idea that knowledge should be acquired through observation

Question 4

Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 4

Considered to be the founder of psychology with the creation of the first psychology research lab

Question 5

When was the first research lab for psychology created?

Answer 5

1879

Question 6

Structuralism

Answer 6

Consciousness is analyzed into basic elements and how these elements are related are explored

Question 7

Fuctionalism

Answer 7

Psychology should study the function of the consciousness rather than its structure

Question 8

Behaviorism

Answer 8

Only observable behavior is studied

Question 9

Gestalt psychology

Answer 9

Deals with perceptions

Question 10

Psychoanalysis

Answer 10

Studied the unconscious mind

Question 11

B.F. Skinner

Answer 11

Developed the idea that organisms tend to repeat responses that lead to positive outcomes, and they tend not to repeat responses that lead to neutral or negative outcomes

Question 12

Humanism

Answer 12

Emphasized human qualities and the sense of self; rejected the influences of nature vs. nurture

Question 13

Existentialism

Answer 13

Studied the meaning of human existence and life

Question 14

Positive psychology

Answer 14

Focused on the positive aspects of human life rather than the negative

Question 15

Name the six schools of thought that are still in use today

Answer 15

Behavioral, psychoanalytic, humanistic, cognitive, biological, and evolutionary theories

Question 16

Name the four areas of specialization in applied psychology

Answer 16

Clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology

Question 17

What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

Answer 17

Psychologists earn a degree in their own profession whereas psychiatrists go to medical school in order to diagnose disorders

Question 18

Name the seven key themes in psychology

Answer 18

Psychology is empirical, psychology is theoretically diverse, psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context, behavior is determined by multiple causes, behavior is shaped by cultural heritage, nature and nurture both influence behavior, and people’s experience of the world is highly subjective