LU 1: The Evoloution Of Psychology

Question 1

What is psychology?

Answer 1

“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.

Question 2

Psychology is made up of two Greek words. What are they? What do they mean?

Answer 2

Psyche meaning the soul and logos referring to the study of a subject

Question 3

What are the 3 components of psychology?

Answer 3

1. The mind
2. Mental processes
3. Behaviour

Question 4

Sigmund Freud developed which two approaches?

Answer 4

The theory of Unconsciousness.
Psychoanalytic theory.

Question 5

Who founded Behaviorism?

Answer 5

John B. Watson

Question 6

What was John B. Watson’s view of nature vs nurture?

Answer 6

He believed you develop traits over time, you are not born with them

Question 7

What is Skinner’s view of behaviourism?

Answer 7

Behaviour is fully governed by external stimuli

Question 8

What are the famous humanists from the humanist revolution?

Answer 8

Abraham Maslow and Carl Roger’s

Question 9

What is clinical psychology?

Answer 9

Branch of psychology concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems and disorders

Question 10

What is cognition?

Answer 10

Refers to the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge

Question 11

What do cognitive theorists argue?

Answer 11

That psychology must include the study of internal mental events to fully understand human behavior

Question 12

What two following trends have prompted more and more Western psychologists to broaden their horizons and incorporate cultural factors into their theories and research?

Answer 12

1. 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.
2. The ethnic makeup of the world has become increasingly diverse and multicultural.

Question 13

What is positive psychology?

Answer 13

Uses theory and research to better understand the positive, adaptive, creative and fulfilling aspects of human existence

Question 14

What are the 3 areas if interest of positive psychology?

Answer 14

1. Positive subjective experiences
2. Positive individual traits
3. Positive institutions and communities

Question 15

What are the 4 approaches of African Psychology?

Answer 15

1. Western orientated African Psychology or “psychology in Africa”
2. Cultural African Psychology
3. Critical African Psychology
4. Psychological African studies

Question 16

There are a shortage of men in contemporary SA, what could the effect of this be?

Answer 16

Could discourage men from seeking or using psychological services

Question 17

What are the major schools of psychology?

Answer 17

Structuralism and functionalism.

Question 18

Who founded Structuralism? And what is Structuralism?

Answer 18

Wilhelm Wundt.
Analyses consciousness into basic elements.
Introspection.

Question 19

Who founded Functionalism? And what is Functionalism?

Answer 19

William James.
Purpose of consciousness rather than its structure.
Viewed behaviour as purposeful because it led to survival.
Evolution has consequences.
“Stream of consciousness”

Question 20

Indigenous people challenged the dominance of what?

Answer 20

Western psychology

Question 21

What is evolutionary psychology?

Answer 21

Examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for member of a species over the course of many generations.