History of Psych Flashcards
Define ‘psychological science’
The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes
What 3 key aspects define Psychological science?
- science - making verifiable + objective predictions
- behaviour - looking at observable acts
- mental processes - storing/recalling info, feelings + the idea of the mind being implemented in the brain
What is Locke’s epistemology? [2 MAIN IDEAS]
- the mind is receptive + passive
- its main goal is to sense + perceive
Who focused on philosophy?
GREEKS: Aristotle, Socrates
Who focused on physiology?
Helmholtz (focus on testing responses + neural function)
Aristotle’s ideas contrast ____?
Plato’s.
Plato believed that knowledge is innate.
What does Aristotle’s ‘tabula rasa’ suggest?
- That we are born with no knowledge.
- we acquire knowledge from our experiences in the world
- everything is LEARNT
Who believes that explanations need mechanisms?
Helmholtz
What are Helmholtz’s main ideas? [2 points]
- everything can be explained w/ basic physical + chemical principles
- emphasised the need to test + demonstrate things [bc everything is measurable]
To Helmholtz, mental processes are _____?
NOT instant.
What is structuralism? [simplified]
Conscious experience can be broken down into basic components
What does structuralism (WUNDT) follow?
The idea that:
> basic structures: sensation + perception
> 3 basic mental elements: images, feeling, sensations
What does Wundt suggest about introspection?
- systematic examination of subjective mental experiences.
- requiring people to scrutinise and report on the content of their thoughts
What are the problems with Introspection?
- too many variables
- not systematic enough
- experience is subjective
- reporting CHANGES the experience
What opposes Structuralism?
Functionalism
What is functionalism? [simplified]
the study of the function + purpose of behaviour
How the conscious mind AIDS ADAPTATION to environments
What does functionalism follow?
- the mind functions, not the elements
> this determines how mental processes work
> system as a whole
> ‘stream of consciousness’ idea
How does functionalism also link to Darwin?
Believes that mental abilities evolved because they’re adaptive
What opposes functionalism?
Psychodynamic theory (FREUD)
Describe Freud’s Psychodynamic Theory?
- a lot of human behaviour is determined by mental processes operating below the level of conscious awareness
What does Behaviourism suggest?
That psychology should only study OBSERVABLE BEHAVIOUR.
What/who does behaviourism oppose?
Introspection (wundt)
Freud
Humanistic psychology suggests what?
- Human nature is good
- we should be the best we can be
- know + accept yourself to achieve FULL POTENTIAL
What does Cognitive psych/therapy suggest?
That psych can study hidden mental processes (our minds measure things we’re not always aware of)
what does Cog Psych study?
mechanisms: remembering, thinking etc…
