History, Science and Perspectives of Psychology

Question 1

What is Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific investigation of mental processes (thinking, remembering and feeling) and behaviour.

Question 2

The scientific method?

Answer 2

Make and observation, formulate a question, reframe into a hypothesis to test, test hypothesis, draw conclusion.

Question 3

First recorded psychological experiment

Answer 3

c. 650 BC in Egypt. Is language innate?

Question 4

Egyptians knew the brain was the source of mental function c. 1550 BC

Answer 4

Knew to assess consciousness and memory, not just physical health.

Question 5

Recorded diagnosis in Ancient Egypt

Answer 5

Hysteria, alcoholism, and sadness.

Question 6

China credited with first psychometric tests.

Answer 6

c. 1000 BC. Used to determine aptitude for professions. Tested intellect, personality etc

Question 7

Plato’s (380 BC) tripartite Mind/Soul theory

Answer 7

Logos - intellect (head)
Thymos - emotions and feelings (chest)
Eros - desires and appetites (stomach)

Question 8

c. 300 BC Herophilus and Erasistratus

Answer 8

Dissection/vivisections on criminals.
Brain was the seat of reason and suggested the brain and nerves control the body.

Question 9

Hippocrates theory of 4 humours

Answer 9

Sanguine - hot/wet blood
Choleric - hot/dry yellow bile
Melancholic - cold/dry black bile
Phlegmatic - cold/wet phlegm

Question 10

Galen c. 200 AD

Answer 10

Expanded on Hippocrates theory

Question 11

Wundt - father of psychology eary 1900s

Answer 11

First to use the ‘scientific method’ along with studies of culture etc.
Used ‘introspection’ to build data of human consciousness.
Conclusion: sensation and feelings combine to make perception.

Question 12

Titchener early 1900s

Answer 12

Father of ‘structuralism’.
Periodic table of consciousness. The ‘structure’ of consciousness.
Used experiments to create categories.
Describing the mind.

Question 13

James early 1900s

Answer 13

Father of ‘functionalism’.
Addition of research to experimentation and introspection. Wrote first text book on Psych.
Wanted to explain the ‘why’s’ ie the functions.
Consciousness exists to serve a function.
Explaining the mind.

Question 14

Perspective: Psychoanalysis

Answer 14

Emphasis on subconscious.
Sigmund Freud: Id, ego, superego (focus on sex and aggression).
Neo-freudians de-emphasised sex.
Developed theory of ‘defence mechanisms’.

Question 15

Perspective: Behaviourism

Answer 15

Experimental research
Pavlov’s dog
Required first hand experience to learn.
Positive/negative reinforcement.
Positive/negative punishment.

Question 16

Perspective: Evolutionary

Answer 16

Survival traits. Adpative traits.
eg careing for young, aggressiveness etc leading to survival.
Disregards environmental factors eg socio economic status, culture etc

Question 17

Perspective: Humanistic

Answer 17

Individualistic.
Focus is on drive for Self-actualisation.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Physical needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self esteem, self-actualisation.
Roger’s theory of real v ideal self, and uncoditional positive regard providing safety against rejection and essential for therapy.

Question 18

Perspective: Cognitive

Answer 18

Study of mental processes, like a computer.

Question 19

Perspectives: Sociocultural v biological

Answer 19

Considers social and cultural determinants
v
the physical basis of behaviour, motivation, and emotion eg neurology and hormones.

Question 20

Perspective: Positive

Answer 20

What makes someone healthy, happy, resilient, hopeful.
Understanding and stimulating conditions for people to flourish.