LU 1: The Evoloution Of Psychology Flashcards
What is psychology?
“The study of the mind”
The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behaviour and processes in a given context.
As well as the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group.
Helps with understanding why people behave in various ways.
Psychology is made up of two Greek words. What are they? What do they mean?
Psyche meaning the soul and logos referring to the study of a subject
What are the 3 components of psychology?
- The mind
- Mental processes
- Behaviour
Sigmund Freud developed which two approaches?
The theory of Unconsciousness.
Psychoanalytic theory.
Who founded Behaviorism?
John B. Watson
What was John B. Watson’s view of nature vs nurture?
He believed you develop traits over time, you are not born with them
What is Skinner’s view of behaviourism?
Behaviour is fully governed by external stimuli
What are the famous humanists from the humanist revolution?
Abraham Maslow and Carl Roger’s
What is clinical psychology?
Branch of psychology concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and disorders
What is cognition?
Refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge
What do cognitive theorists argue?
That psychology must include the study of internal mental events to fully understand human behavior
What two following trends have prompted more and more Western psychologists to broaden their horizons and incorporate cultural factors into their theories and research?
- Advances in communication, travel and international trade have “shrunk” the world and increased global independence. Bringing more and more Americans and Europeans into contact with people from Non- western cultures.
- The ethnic makeup of the world has become increasingly diverse and multicultural.
What is positive psychology?
Uses theory and research to better understand the positive, adaptive, creative and fulfilling aspects of human existence
What are the 3 areas if interest of positive psychology?
- Positive subjective experiences
- Positive individual traits
- Positive institutions and communities
What are the 4 approaches of African Psychology?
- Western orientated African Psychology or “psychology in Africa”
- Cultural African Psychology
- Critical African Psychology
- Psychological African studies
There are a shortage of men in contemporary SA, what could the effect of this be?
Could discourage men from seeking or using psychological services
What are the major schools of psychology?
Structuralism and functionalism.
Who founded Structuralism? And what is Structuralism?
Wilhelm Wundt.
Analyses consciousness into basic elements.
Introspection.
Who founded Functionalism? And what is Functionalism?
William James.
Purpose of consciousness rather than its structure.
Viewed behaviour as purposeful because it led to survival.
Evolution has consequences.
“Stream of consciousness”
Indigenous people challenged the dominance of what?
Western psychology
What is evolutionary psychology?
Examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for member of a species over the course of many generations.
