Origins Of Psychology

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those functions affecting behaviour in a given context.

Question 2

Science

Answer 2

A means of acquiring knowledge through systematic and objective investigation. The aim is to discover general laws.

Question 3

Introspection

Answer 3

The first systematic experimental attempt to study the mind by breaking up conscious awareness into basic structures of thoughts, images and sensations.

Question 4

Experimental Philosophy

Answer 4

Psychology started as experimental philosophy rooted in the 17th and 19th century.

Question 5

Wilhelm Wundt

Answer 5

Known as the ‘Father of Psychology’. In 1879, he set up the first lab for psychological enquiry in Leipzig, Germany.

Question 6

Structuralism

Answer 6

Studying the ‘structure’ of the mind by breaking down behaviours, such as sensations, into their basic elements.

Question 7

Principles of the Scientific Approach

Answer 7

1. Definable and agreed upon paradigm. 2. Must be theory construction from which hypothesis are derived and tested. 3. Empirical methods of investigation must be used to gather information. 4. Science should attempt to discover general laws or principles.

Question 8

Hypothesis

Answer 8

A testable prediction.

Question 9

Paradigm Shift

Answer 9

The result of a scientific revolution in that a significant change in the dominant unifying theory within a scientific discipline occurs.

Question 10

Empirical Method

Answer 10

Scientific approaches that are based on the gathering of evidence through direct observation and experience.

Question 11

Theory

Answer 11

Integrated set of principles/explanation for describing a phenomenon (a body of knowledge). May be based on observations about the world or on empirical data derived from hypothesis testing. Testable and provides predictions.

Question 12

Generalisation

Answer 12

Ability of the researcher to make an extension (justified) of their conclusions.

Question 13

Paradigm

Answer 13

An agreed set of shared assumptions, and methods within a scientific discipline e.g. biology’s theory of evolution.

Question 14

Theory Construction

Answer 14

The creation of an integrated set of principles or explanation for describing a phenomenon on the basis of direct observation or empirical data.

Question 15

Replicability

Answer 15

The extent to which scientific procedures and results can be repeated by other researchers.

Question 16

Objectivity

Answer 16

When all sources of personal bias are minimised so as not to distort or influence the research process.

Question 17

Hypothesis Testing

Answer 17

When it is possible to make clear, precise and testable predictions on the basis of a theory.

Question 18

Falsifiability

Answer 18

The principle that a theory cannot be considered scientific unless it admits the possibility of being proved wrong.