Module 1 - The story of psychology Flashcards
What are the two early schools of Psychology, the followers of them and their focus?
Structuralism (Edward Braford Titchener) used introspection to define the mind’s makeup; Functionalism (William James) focused on how mental processes enable us to adapt, survive and flourish.
When was Psychology born?
When Wilhelm Wundt created an experiment of awareness in 1879 in Germany.
Describe a bit about Mary Whiton Calkins’ life.
James tutored her and she finished Havard’s Ph.D requirements for Psychology but she was offered an alternative degree. Mary refused and later became the first female president of American Psychological Association (APA) in 1905.
Who earned the first Psychology Ph.D as a female?
Margaret Floy Washburn earned it.
How did early pioneers define psychology?
As “the science of mental life”.
In 1920s, what was the new definition of psychology and who defined it?
John B.Watson and B.F Skinner redefine it as “the scientific study of observable behaviour”.
What are the two major forces of psychology from 1920s to 1960s?
Behaviourism and Freudian psychology.
Define behaviourism.
The view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behaviour without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).
Define Freudian Psychology.
It focuses on how unconscious thought processes and childhood emotion responses affect our behaviour.
Define humanistic psychology.
Historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people. It rejects Freudian and behaviourism.
What are two forces in psychology after 1960s?
Cognitive revolution and humanistic psychology.
Define cognitive neuroscience.
The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)
What is the modern definition of psychology?
The science of behaviour and mental processes.
How many member nations does the International Union of Psychologic Science have?
71 member nations.
Define the nature-nurture issue.
The long standing controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experiences make to the development of psychological traits and behaviours. Today’s science sees trait and behaviours arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.
On the nature-nurture issue, who are the supporters on each side?
Nature: Plato, René Descartes, Charles Darwin
Nurture: Aristotle, John Locke
Define natural selection
The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
Define levels of analysis
The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.
Define biopsychosocial approach
An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
Name some of psychology’s perspectives.
Neuroscience, evolutionary, behaviour genetics, psychodynamic, behavioural, cognitive, social-cultural
Define basic research
Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base
Applied research
Scientific study that aims to solve practical problems
Name some of the branches of psychology
Counseling, clinical, community
Define counseling psychology
A branch that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being
Define clinical psychology
A branch that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders (e.g. mental, emotional, behaviour)
Define psychiatry
A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical treatments as well as psychological therapy
Community psychology
A branch that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups (e.g. bullying)
Define positive psychology
The scientific study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive
