Introduction to Psychology: Definitions Flashcards
Define: behaviour
Any observable actions made by a living person or animal
Official definition of psychology?
The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes in humans
Define: mental processes
Thoughts and feelings that are internal, personal and cannot be directly observed
(Can be inferred through behaviour)
Psychologists can apply for registration after how many years of training? What does the training involve?
6 years; 4yrs university and 2yrs either postgraduate study at uni/training under registered psychologist
Psychiatrists must train for how many years? What does training involve?
13 years; 6 years at uni, 1 year internship at hospital, 1 year as a Resident Medical officer, at least 5 years of post graduate training
Define: psychologist
Someone who is professionally qualified in psychology and is ego stereo by the appropriate state or territory authority
Define: psychiatrist
A medically qualified professional who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
2 reasons why psychology is considered a science?
Studied using the scientific method (7 steps)
Does not rely on common sense psychology or pseudoscience
Define: pseudoscience
Give examples
Fake or false science; non scientific ways of explaining thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Astrology, numerology, palmistry
What is the main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a qualified medical doctor meaning they can perform procedures, prescribe medication and hospitalise any patient. A psychiatrist is not a qualified medical doctor so cannot do those things but they treat patients through other types of therapy.
Define: empirical evidence
Data collected through experimentation and observation
Define: replication
Conducting a study again to see if the results can be duplicated
Define: scientific method
The systematic approach to planning, collecting and reporting research by collecting empirical evidence.
