Midterm 1.1 Flashcards
mind
refers to internal states and processes, such as thoughts and feelings, that cannot be seen (observed) directly and that must be inferred from observable, measurable, responses”
goals of pyschology
1) describe how people and other animals behave
2) to explain and understand the causes of these behaviours
3) to predict how people and animals will behave under certain conditions
4) to control behaviour through knowledge of its causes to enhance human and animal welfare
what is pyschology?
scientific study of behaviour and the mind
flow of research
basic research: knowledge (e.g. how does the human ear respond to sound waves)
applied research: solution to practical problems (e.g. how can knowledge help create a hearing aid?)
levels of analysis
biological level (e.g. brain processes, genetic influences)
psychological level (e.g. thoughts, feelings, motives)
environmental level (e.g. past/current physical + social environments)
- the scientific approach
the scientific method/framework
systematically gathering and evaluating empirical evidence through experience and observation
minimizes bias and provides framework to help solve specific practical problems
folk psychology
commonly held beleifs about people, psychological processes, and behaviour
can rely on observation and draws on anecdotal evidence
can be correct, but typically not very reliable
common errors of judgement
rely on heuristics (mental shortcuts) (e.g. choosing food at new place -> bestseller)
fail to consider alternative explanations
confirmation bias (selective evidence to conform beliefs)
scientific approaches can reduce errors of judgement
critical thinking
central to scientific method
involves evaluating information presented with:
- what is the claim?
- is the source credible?
- what is the evidence?
are there other explanations?
- what is the appropriate conclusion?
these allreduce influence of bias and errors
