Chapter 1.1 Flashcards
What is psychology?
The scientific study of the mind and behavior.
What is a hypothesis?
A tentative explanation proposed to explain a phenomenon.
What is a scientific theory?
A broad explanation or group of explanations for some aspect of the natural world that is consistently supported by evidence over time.
What is the role of observations or experiments in psychology?
To test the validity of the hypothesis.
What does psychological science rely on?
Empirical data based on measurable observations.
True or False: Science can arrive at knowledge about values and morality.
False.
What is empiricism?
A method for acquiring knowledge based on observation and experimentation.
When did psychology become accepted as its own academic discipline?
In the late 1800s.
What areas of study influence psychology due to its biological roots?
Natural sciences like biology.
Why do students often take their first psychology course?
To help others and learn more about themselves and their actions.
What percentage of all bachelor degrees awarded in the U.S. are in psychology?
About 6 percent.
Name a few famous individuals who were psychology majors.
- Mark Zuckerberg
- Jon Stewart
- Natalie Portman
- Wes Craven
What skills do psychology students develop?
- Critical thinking skills
- Communication skills
Define critical thinking.
The active application of a set of skills to evaluate information.
Fill in the blank: Psychology students learn about the interaction of our biology, environment, and ______ in determining behavior.
[experiences]
What do psychology students come to appreciate regarding individuals?
The tremendous diversity that exists across individuals and cultural boundaries.
