INTRODUCTION Flashcards
Name three reasons why the study of psychology is important.
- Develop critical thinking skills.
- Enhance understanding of complex factors shaping human behavior.
- Improve communication skills.
What shapes human behavior?
The interaction of biology, environment, and experiences.
What attributes are associated with critical thinking?
- Skepticism
- Recognizing internal biases
- Asking relevant questions
- Logical thinking.
Who are the founders of psychology as a science?
Wilhelm Wundt and William James.
How does psychology help with variability among individuals?
It helps recognize variability across individuals and cultural boundaries.
When did psychology emerge as a field?
Psychology is a relatively young field, dating to the 19th century.
How did Wundt define psychology?
As the scientific study of conscious experiences.
What was the prior context for studying the mind before psychology?
Issues of the mind were studied in a philosophical context.
Who was Wilhelm Wundt?
Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920) was the first psychologist and founder of structuralism.
What is the goal of structuralism?
To identify components of consciousness and how they combine to result in conscious experiences.
What method did Wundt use in his research?
Introspection, or “internal perception.”
What were the requirements for Wundt’s experiments?
- Trained observers to report reactions.
- Repeatable stimuli to ensure attentiveness to inner reactions.
Who was William James?
- William James (1842–1910) was the first American psychologist and founder of functionalism.
What theory influenced James’s work?
Darwin’s theory of evolution.
What is the focus of functionalism?
How mental activities and behaviors help organisms adapt to their environment.
