Definitions

Question 1

Explain what psychologists do or what psychology is

Answer 1

The study of the human mind, behaviors and emotions

Question 2

pseudo psychology-

Answer 2

an approach to understanding or analyzing the mind or behavior that uses unscientific or fraudulent methods

Question 3

confirmation bias-

Answer 3

the acceptance of information that supports pre-held conceptions and beliefs.

Question 4

Structuralism-

Answer 4

devoted to uncovering basic structures that make up mind and thought

Question 5

Functionalism-

Answer 5

believed mental processes could best be understood in terms of their adaptive purpose and function

Question 6

Gestalt psychology-

Answer 6

interested in how we construct ‘perceptual wholes

Question 7

Behaviorism

Answer 7

argued psychology should deal with observable events

Question 8

Psychoanalysis

Answer 8

asserted mental disorders arise from conflicts in the unconscious mind

Question 9

Biological-

Answer 9

we are complex systems that respond to heredity and environmental influences. Neural structures, biochemistry, and innate responses to external cues.

Question 10

Developmental-

Answer 10

people undergo predictable patterns of change throughout their lives. Interaction between heredity and environment determine behavior. Patterns of developmental change and their underlying influences.

Question 11

Cognitive-

Answer 11

we are information processing systems. Interpretation of experience by means of mental processing. Mental processes, including sensation, perception, learning, memory, and language

Question 12

Clinical-

Answer 12

we are driven by unconscious motives. Psychodynamic view stresses unconscious conflicts. Humanistic view more positive

Question 13

Behavioral-

Answer 13

we respond to surroundings according to principles of behavioral learning. Stimulus cues, history of rewards and punishments. “Laws” connecting our responses to stimulus conditions in the environment.

Question 14

Trait-

Answer 14

individual differences result from differences in our underlying patterns of stable characteristics. Each person’s unique combination of traits. Fundamental traits, using trait patterns to predict behavior.

Question 15

Sociocultural-

Answer 15

we are social animals; human behavior must be interpreted in social context. Cultures, social norms and expectations, social learning. Social interaction, socialization, cross-cultural differences

Question 16

Empirical investigation

Answer 16

an approach to research that relies on sensory experience and observation as research data

Question 17

Scientific method-

Answer 17

a five-step process for empirical research of a hypothesis under conditions designed for the best outcome