Introduction To Psychology Flashcards
MSA
What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.
What are the two main components of psychology?
- Behavior – Observable actions and reactions.
- Mental Processes – Thoughts, feelings, and internal experiences.
What are the four goals of psychology?
Describe, Explain, Predict, and Change behavior.
What are the two major foundations of psychology?
Biology – Links between brain structures and behaviors.
Philosophy – Understanding thoughts and experiences.
Who founded the Psychodynamic Perspective, and what does it focus on?
Sigmund Freud; focuses on unconscious motives, childhood experiences, and defense mechanisms.
What does the Behavioral Perspective focus on?
Observable behaviors shaped by environmental interactions.
Who is a key theorist in the Behavioral Perspective, and what did he emphasize?
B.F. Skinner; emphasized rewards and punishments in shaping behavior.
What does the Cognitive Perspective study?
Mental processes like memory, perception, and problem-solving.
What does the Humanistic Perspective emphasize?
Individual growth, free will, and self-actualization.
Name two key theorists in the Humanistic Perspective.
Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
What does the Biological Perspective study?
The influence of genetics, brain structures, and neurotransmitters on behavior.
What does the Evolutionary Perspective focus on?
How behaviors evolved as adaptations for survival and reproduction.
What does the Sociocultural Perspective examine?
The influence of social and cultural factors on behavior.
Who is the founder of Structuralism, and what does it study?
Wilhelm Wundt; studies the structure of consciousness.
What is Functionalism, and who influenced it?
A school of thought focused on the purpose of behavior, influenced by William James and Darwin.
What are the steps of the scientific method in psychology?
Observation
Research Question
Hypothesis
Study Design
Data Collection
Analysis
Interpretation
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative: Non-numerical data (e.g., interviews).
Quantitative: Numerical data (e.g., experiments).
What does a Clinical Psychologist do?
Diagnoses and treats mental health issues.
What does a Counseling Psychologist do?
Helps people with life challenges and personal development.
What is the role of a Forensic Psychologist?
Applies psychology to legal and criminal investigations.
