Introduction to Psychology & Research Methods Flashcards
Define Psychology
The scientific study of behavior & mental process that values empirical evidence and critical thinking.
Define Critical Thinking
The process of objectively evaluating, comparing, analyzing, and synthesizing information
What are Psychology’s four main goals?
Describe, explain, predict, and change behavior and mental processes
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, they have (M.D) degrees with a specialization in psychiatry and a licensed to prescribe medications and drugs. Counseling and Clinical psychologist have advanced degrees in human behavior and methods of therapy. (Ph.D. or Psy.D)
Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic Prospective
Focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved past conflicts
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
Austrian physician Sigmund Freud believed that many psychological problems are caused by a conflict between “acceptable” behavior and “unacceptable” unconscious sexual or aggressive motives. Freud developed a form of psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” called psychoanalysis
Behavioral Perspective
Emphasizes objective, observable environmental influences on overt behavior
B. F. Skinner (1904-1990)
B. F. Skinner is a behavioralist, convinced that we could (and should) use behavioral approaches to actually “shape” human behavior
John B. Watson (1913)
American psychologist in the 20th century who established the psychological field of behaviorism
William James (1842-1910)
William James, an American Scholar, was a leading force in the functionalist school of psychology, which stressed the adaptive and practical functions of human behavior
Sigmund Freud structural model of personality:
Freud divides the personality into three parts the id, the ego, and the superego.
Wihelm Wundt (1832-1920)
Acknowledged as the “father of psychology” established the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879. Wilhelm Wundt focused on understanding the conscious experience through introspection
B. F. Skinner Behavioral Theory:
A behaviorist, he developed the theory of operant conditioning – the idea that behavior is determined by its consequences, be they reinforcements or punishments, which make it more or less likely that the behavior will occur again. which is predicated on three types of responses people exhibit to external stimuli.
Humanistic Perspective
Emphasizes free will, self-actualization,
and human nature as naturally positive
and growth-seeking
Positive Psychology
The scientific study of optimal human functioning, emphasizing positive emotions, positive traits,
and positive institutions
Cognitive Perspective
Focuses on thinking, perceiving, and information processing
Neuroscience / Biopsychology Perspective
Emphasizes genetics and other biological processes in the brain and other parts of the nervous system
Evolutionary Perspective
Focuses on natural selection, adaptation,
and evolution of behavior and mental processes
Sociocultural Perspective
Emphasizes social interaction and cultural
determinants of behavior and mental processes
Ethnicities of doctorate recipients in psychology
American Indian 1%, Asian and Pacific Islander 4%, Hispanic (Latino) 6%, White (non-Hispanic) 85%
Biopsychosocial Model
The unifying theme of modern psychology that incorporates biological, psychological, and social
processes
Basic Research
Research conducted to advance scientific knowledge. Basic research meets the first three goals of psychology (description, explanation, and prediction)
Applied Research
Research designed to solve practical problems. Applied Research is generally conducted outside the laboratory. And it meets the fourth goal of psychology—to change existing real-world problems.
Meta-Analysis
Statistical procedure for combining and analyzing data from many studies
What are the six basic steps of the scientific method?
Step 1: Literature Review Step 2: Testable Hypothesis, Operational defined Step 3: Research Design Step 4: Statistical Analysis Step 5: Peer-Review Scientific Journal Step 6: Theory
Hypothesis
Specific, testable prediction about how one factor, or variable, is related to another
Operational Definition
The precise description of how the variables in
a study will be observed and measured (For example, drug abuse might be operationally defined as “the number of missed workdays due to excessive use of an addictive substance.”)