Introduction to Psychology: Philosophical And Scientific Roots

Question 1

Describe traditional and modern views on the mind body problem

Answer 1

Once thought the mind and body were separate, the mind was non physical and the body is, mind can affect the body but not vice versa
Now thought that they are both interconnected

Question 2

Describe Descartes theory of dualism

Answer 2

The mind and body are separate: the mind is non physical whereas the body is physical; they come into contact through the pineal gland to produce sensations

Question 3

Define: mind-brain problem

Answer 3

The relationship between the brain and conscious thought

Question 4

Why did philosophers not use scientific methods to study psychology?

Answer 4

They thought the mind could not be studied scientifically

Question 5

Explain how physiology began the scientific study of psychology

Answer 5

In the 1800s, Heimholtz measured the speed of nerve impulses in a frog leg and did the same to humans
He demonstrated that the brain and mental processes can be studied scientifically.

Question 6

Define: mind body problem

Answer 6

The relationship between the mind and the body