Intro To Psych Flashcards
Define psychology
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
What are the 2 main types of research?
Basic and Applied Research
List the 4 Goals of Psychology
DEPC = Description, Explanation, Predictions and Control
What are psychological theories?
Sets of hypothesized statements about relationships or principles that explain observed behaviours
Why do psychologists use theories?
To propose reason and explanation for relationships and events
to predict what may happen in the future
Name a few fields of psychology
Counseling, criminal psych, social psychology, environmental, educational
What is Charles Darwin’s infamous theory?
The theory of natural selection; influenced evolutionary psychologists to focus on evolution of behavior and mental processes
What did evolutionary psychologists believe?
That adaptive behavioral traits are passed on to generations
What do evolutionary psychologists do?
Study the evolution of behavior and mental processes
What do biological psychologists do?
Study the brain and the nervous system;
to understand the link between physical processes and structures (hormones, genetics) and the behavior
What do cognitive psychologists do?
Investigate/study thinking, memory, perception, problem solving, and language.
** the use of brain imaging techniques (MRI, CAT scan, to understand how the brain behaves in these aspects
What is the difference between the humanistic experience vs the existential experience?
The humanistic experience stresses the human capacity for self awareness, fulfillment and growth.
VS
Existentialism focuses on the importance of free will and responsibility.
Together the humanistic-existential experience focused on conscious awareness and subjective experience.
