Chapter 1: The Science Of Psychology Flashcards
Structuralism and its pioneers
Analyzing the mind through its structures from its basic elements (how is it built up?)
- the building blocks of the mind
- introspection (in practice)
- Wilhelm Wundt & Edward Titchener
Functionalism and it’s pioneers
Psychology should study the functions of consciousness rather than the structure
- Why does it exist? What purpose does it serve in our environment?
- William James (builds on Darwinism)
The psychodynamic perspective
Searches for the causes of behavior within our personality ( traits, patterns, emotions and motives)
- Freuds psychoanalysis
- modern psychodynamic theory downplays the role of hidden sexual and aggressive motives, focuses on how our self perception and other social factors shape our personality
Psychoanalysis
The analysis of internal and primarily unconscious psychological forces
Object relations theories
Focus on how early experiences with caregivers shape the views people form of themselves and others
The behavioral perspective
Focuses on how the external environment influence our actions
- Ivan Pavlov (association via stimulus in dogs)
Behaviorism
School of thought that emphasizes environmental control of behavior through learning
John B. Watson: look on the outside and not the inside 😩 humans are products of learning experiences
B.F Skinner (Frode Dahl og hundeoppdragelse)
Eks. The monster study
Cognitive behaviorism
Not learning influences behavior, but rather Learning influences thought influences behavior
Humanistic perspective (or humanism)
Emphasizes free will, personal growth and meaning of existence
(Modern day: positive psychology movement)
Cognitive perspective
Examines the nature of the mind and how mental processes influence behavior. A part of cognitive psychology
Gestalt psychology
German. Examines how elements of experience are organized into wholes
Cognitive psychology
Focuses on the study of mental processes
Embodies the cognitive perspective
Cognitive neuroscience
Uses sophisticated electrical recording and brain imaging techniques to examine brain activity when stimulated in cognitive experiments
Social constructivism
The idea that our concept of “reality” is largely our own mental creation
Sociocultural perspective
Examines how the social environment and cultural learning influence our thoughts behavior and feelings
Culture
The values, beliefs, behaviors and traditions shared by a large group of people and passed on through generations
Norms
Rules (often unwritten) that specify what behavior is expected and unacceptable for members of a group
Socialization
The process by which culture is transmitted to new members and internalized by them
Behavior genetics
The study of how behavioral tendencies are influenced by genetic factors
Cross cultural psychology
Examines how culture is transmitted to its members and examines psychological similarities and differences among people of diverse cultures
Individualistic
Emphasis on personal goods and self-identity primarily based on ones own attributes and achievements
Collectivist
Group goals are seen above individualistic ones, and personal identity is defined by your ties to family and the larger social groups
Biological perspective
Examines how brain processes and other biological functions regulate behavior
Behavioral neuroscience
Examines brain processes and other physiological functions that underlie our behavior, sensory experiences, emotions and thoughts
Neurotransmitters
Chemicals released by nerve cells that allow them to communicate with one another
Evolutionary psychology
A growing discipline that seeks to explain how evolution shaped modern human behavior
