Introduction Flashcards
Describe the scientific method
Come up with a theory, create a hypothesis, test that shit. If it works, generate another hypothesis and strengthen your theory. If fails; modify your hypothesis or revise your theory.
Definition:
Psychology
The scientific study of behaviour, thought, and experience and how they can be affected by physical, mental, social and environmental factors
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Hypothesis
A testable prediction about processes that can be observed or measured
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Scientific method
A way of learning about the world through collecting observations, developing theories to explain and then using said theories to make predictions
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Theory
An explanation for a broad range of observations that also generates new hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into a coherent whole
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Biopsychosocial model
A means of explaining behaviour as a product of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors
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Empiricism
A philosophical tenet that knowledge comes through experience
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Determinism
The belief that all events are governed by lawful, cause-effect relationships
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Zeitgeist
A general set of beliefs of a particular culture at a specific time in history
Explain the difference between materialism and dualism
Materialism believes that human beings and all living beings are composed exclusively of matter. Dualism believes part of this but adds that there’s a soul that is not composed of matter
Define:
Psychophysics
The study if the relationship between the physical world and the mental representation of the world
What was the first evidence of psychology and neuroscience?
The ancient Egyptians examining brain damage after battle.
The Edwin smith papyrus
Describe Hippocrates’ personality classification
We consist of 4 humours in different concentrations
Blood, phlegm, black bile, yellow bile
Some can be combined while others cannot
What was alcamaeon and his theory?
Pioneered dissection. Discovered nerves connected the eyes. Thought the eyes contained the light of fire which he believed explained why you see stars when you bump your head.
Who’s was Galen?
He refined Hippocrates theory of humours by suggesting that the humours form temperaments which remained constant throughout life.
Sanguine: impulsive, pleasure seeking
Choleric: ambitious, energetic, aggressive
Melancholic: Independent, perfectionist, introverted
Phlegmatic: quiet, relaxed, content
Also discovered that the solid portion if the brain was responsible for movement/sensation, not the ventricles
