Introduction to Psychology (Chapter 1)

Question 1

What is Psychology

Answer 1

The study of behaviour and the mind

Question 2

Sub-fields of Psychology

Answer 2

• Cognitive
• Biopsychology/Neuroscience
• Developmental
• Experimental
• Industrial/Organizational
• Personality
• Social

Question 3

Confirmation Bias

Answer 3

When one focuses solely on data that conforms to what we already believe, and minimize data that is inconsistent with our beliefs.

Question 4

How do we limit biases in science?

Answer 4

-Use specific measures, tests and instruments to improve objectivity
-Inter-rater reliability test (Use multiple researchers with same criteria)
-Highly controlled experimental designs
Research is published and peer reviewed

Question 5

Critical Thinking

Answer 5

Actively thinking about information that is being received.

• Is source credible?
• Any other explanation being ignored/minimized?
• How strong is evidence?
• Is the conclusion reasonable?

Question 6

Goals of Psychology

Answer 6

• To DESCRIBE how people and animals behave
• To EXLAIN and UNDERSTAND causes of behaviour
• To PREDICT how people will behave under certain conditions
• To INFLUENCE behaviour through knowledge and control of underlying causes to enhance wellbeing

Question 7

Name the two types of research

Answer 7

Basic: Describes behaviour and factors that cause it.

Applied: Uses what is learned through Basic research to solve problems in the real world.

Question 8

What are the three Levels of Analysis

Answer 8

Biological (genes/hormones/brain processes)
Psychological (emotions/thoughts/behaviours)
Social: Family/culture/group influences

Question 9

Mind-Body Interactionism

Answer 9

Dynamic associations and relationships between biological and psychological factors

Question 10

How does Nature vs. Nurture influence behaviour?

Answer 10

Behaviour is influenced by BOTH one’s biological predispositions (Nature) as well as one’s upbringing and environment (Nurture). It is not an either/or debate

Question 11

What are the Dualism and Monism perspectives in Psychology?

Answer 11

Dualism: Mind is separate from body; cannot learn about the mind through the body

Monism: Mind and body are one; the mind can be studied through examining the body

Question 12

What is Structuralism?

Answer 12

Process of understanding and analyzing the mind through the component parts.
Developed by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener.
It was akin to sciences (ie. chemistry) of the time)
Used introspection to examine mental processes,a nd was therefore quite subjective

Question 13

What is Functionalism?

Answer 13

The understanding of the mind through behaviour and function (what is it meant to do and why?)
Developed by William James.
Highly influenced by evolutionary theory, namely the concept of adaptation.

Question 14

What are the 6 main Perspectives in Psychology?

Answer 14

• Psychodynamic
• Behavioural
• Humanistic
• Cognitive
• Socio-Cultural
• Biological

Question 15

Explain the Psychodynamic Perspective

Answer 15

Behaviour results from personality and subconscious internal conflict

Developed by Sigmund Freud, who preferred “Free Association” technique (what is the first thing to come to mind?)

Freud’s Theory: Humans are naturally aggressive, and develop defences to conceal/suppress urges. Abnormal behaviours are a result of inner conflict

This perspective was controversial, and hard to prove

Modern psychodynamic perspective focuses on the unconscious mind and early relationships.

Question 16

Explain the Behavioural Perspective

Answer 16

The external environment shapes our behaviour; we are shaped by our experiences

Notable proponents were John Locke, Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike

Question 17

What is Behaviourism?

Answer 17

The belief that learning is a result of environmental manipulation and control (John Watson and B.F. Skinner)

By altering the environment, one can decrease problem behaviours (ie. Token Economy)

Useful in treating some mental disorders

Question 18

Explain the Humanistic perspective

Answer 18

High regard for the human potential, such as free will, personal growth, finding meaning, and positive self-worth

Abraham Maslov believed that humans desire self-actualization, which can be fostered and hindered by the environment

Carl Rogers focused on research into self-esteem, self-concept, self-worth, and psychotherapy

Positive Psychology rooted in Humanistic Psychology

Question 19

Explain the Cognitive Perspective

Answer 19

Focuses on how mental processes impact and influence behaviour

Has roots in Structuralism and Functionalism

Noam Chomsky believed language was preprogrammed in humans

Jean Pinget noted that cognitive processes became more complex through development into adulthood

Modern Cognitive Psychology examine reasoning, problem solving, memory and concentration

Question 20

Explain the Socio-Cultural Perspective

Answer 20

One’s social environment and cultural background influence behaviour

Other people and social factors contribute to behavioural influences, especially thoughts and feelings

How culture is developed is different between different cultures

Question 21

What are Cultures and Norms?

Answer 21

Cultures: Enduring beliefs of a large group of people

Norms: Unwritten rules that guide behaviour within a group

Question 22

Explain Individualism and Collectivism.

Answer 22

Individualism: Personal goals are emphasized, and there is a high focus upon the self

Collectivism: Needs of the group are emphasized, personal goals are less important.

Question 23

Explain the Biological Perspective

Answer 23

Focuses upon how the nervous system impacts and regulates behaviour.

Karl Lashley and Donald Hebb research led to the discovery of Neurotransmitterss

Behavioural Neuroscience: How do brain processes and physiological functions affect thoughts and emotions?

Behavioural Genetics: What is the role of genetics in behaviour?

Evolutionary Psychology: What is the role of evolution in behaviour?