Introduction to Bio and Gen Psych

Question 1

Which areas of the brain are responsible for speech comprehension and production?

Answer 1

• Wernicke’s area = speech comprehension
• Broca’s area = speech production

Question 2

What is the definition of psychology/science?

Answer 2

Intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment

Question 3

What is structuralism?

Answer 3

analysis of the basic elements that constitute the mind

Question 4

What is functionalism?

Answer 4

focuses on utility of behaviour, and how it changes over time (Darwinism).

Thinking is a means of behaviour, importance of individual differences

Question 5

The birth of psychology

Answer 5

• Hermann von Helmholtz 1821-1894: measured reaction time and performed physiological experiments
• Wilhelm Wundt 1832-1920: established the first psychology lab

Question 6

Wundt - what is introspection?

Answer 6

subjective observation of one’s own experiences (present stimulus and report experience)

Question 7

What is associationism?

Answer 7

a theory which regards the simple association or co-occurrence of ideas or sensations as the primary basis of meaning, thought, or learning.