Introduction to Psychological Science Flashcards
Who is often referred to as the “Father of Psychology”
William Wundt
What kind of psychology did William Wundt subscribe to?
Structuralism
What is Structuralism?
Structuralism is a psychological theory that tries to determine the basic elements, or building blocks, of behavior and mental processes
Why is structuralism an important Philosophy?
it helped to advance many of the key concepts in the field of psychology, such as the understanding of the brain’s structure, how neurons make up the entire brain and nervous system, and the basic personality types
Who was William James?
He was a student of Wundt; he was also the first American to study psychology and bring it to the United States as a major area of study.
What kind of Psychology did William James subscribe to?
Functionalism
What is Functionalism?
functionalism views the mental experience as more a stream, or a flow, of consciousness that can’t be broken down any further. Perspective that mental processes cannot be broken down and instead are a steady flow of consciousness
Who was Sigmund Freud?
was an Austrian neurologist. In 1873, he began working in a hospital treating patients for what at the time was called “hysteria”, a type of disease that doctors neither knew much about nor had a cure. From there, Freud started his own form of therapy. In 1885, he set up a private practice where he treated people for nervous disorders and brain disorders.
What did Freud develop?
Psychodynamic Theory
What is Psychodynamic Theory?
psychodynamic theory states that internal motives and unconscious forces can affect our behaviors and mental processes in daily life. According to psychodynamic theory, these unconscious thoughts, impulses, or desires, can influence our behaviors.
How did Freud described our mental life?
as a sort of iceberg with all of the things we’re aware of at the top, above the water. However, the amount of things we perceive is very small when compared to the part of the iceberg that’s under the water, or outside of our awareness. This underlying part of our mental life is unconscious.
What is the goal of Psychoanalysis?
its goal is to uncover the unconscious forces that are influencing and affecting us in adverse ways.
What are two of the methods used in Psychoanalysis?
Dream Analysis: Freud was very involved with dream analysis, trying to discover how dreams are a language of our unconscious mind. According to Freud, dreams try to tell us, in our sleep, what is happening in our minds underneath the surface.
Rorschach Test: This is another method of psychoanalysis that you may have seen in popular culture. This test involves looking at an inkblot and trying to describe what you see. What you see is supposed to provide some insight into what is going on in your unconscious mind.
