Module 1 Flashcards
Define Psychology
Systematic/scientific study of behaviors and mental processes
Define behaviors
Observable responses or actions
Define mental processes
Not directly observable
Examples of mental processes
Dreaming, thinking, studying
Name and explain the 4 main goals of psychology
- Describe different ways an organism behaves
- Explain causes of behavior
- Predict how organisms will behave in certain situations
- Control the behavior
Explain the biological approach
How our genes, hormones, and nervous system interact with our environment to influence our traits and abilities
Explain the cognitive approach
How we process, store and use information and how this information influences how we learn, remember and feel.
Explain the behavioral approach
How organisms learn new behavior or modify existing ones based on if they were rewarded or punished in these events
Explain the psychoanalytic approach
How childhood experiences greatly influence development or later personality traits
Explain the humanistic approach
Each individual has freedom in directing their future and achieving personal growth
Explain the sociocultural approach
Influence of social and cultural factors on thoughts and behaviors
Explain evolutionary approach
How ideas like natural selection and adaptation explain psychology
Explain the biopsychosocial approach
How biological, psychological, and social factors influence development
Who was the father of psychology?
William Wundt
Define structuralism
Primary sensations and perceptions that make up mental experiences
Define introspection
Asks subjects to look inward and report sensations/perceptions
Who wrote the first psychology textbook
William James
Define functionalism
Study of the functions of the conscious mind
Explain the Gestalt approach (include example)
Sensations vs perceptions
Ex- flashing arrows experiment
Define behavioralist
Focused on the objective scientific analysis of observable behaviors
