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.
