Phsychology Foundation Week 1 Flashcards
What is psychology
The scientific investigation of mental processes and behaviour
Psychology aims to
Describe, explain predict and control
What is a scientific investigation
An approach to gaining information using systematical, planned observations
What is behaviour
Observable actions and responses
What are mental processes
Cognitive processes that are not directly observable
Positive psychology
Positive psychology is interested in well-being, and the conditions under which human beings are able to thrive and flourish
Biopsychology (behavioural neuroscience)
Seeks to…
Understand the mind through understanding the biological activity of the brain
Localisation function
The notion that discrete brain regions play a significant role in secrete aspects of mental functioning
Culture refers to
The influence of membership in larger groups such as a tribe or nation
Psychological anthropologist
Study psychological phenomenon in other cultures through naturalistic observation
Cross-cultural psychologist
Investigate physiological hypothesis in other cultures
Psychology originally came about as a combination of ____ and ____
Philosophy and psychology
Who established the first research lab and journal in 1879
Wilhelm Wundt
(His primary focus was consciousness)
Who was the first president of the American Psychological Association
G. Stanley Hall
What were the first two major schools of thought
Structuralism and Functionalism
Who created the theory of structuralism
Edward Titcher
What’s was the theory of structuralism
Analyse consciousness into basic elements and investigate the relationship between these elements
Who created the theory of functionalism
William James
What is borocas aphasia
A deficit in language production
Individuals with this have no problem with language comprehension although speech production is compromised
What is a paradime
Does psychology have a unified paradime
A broad system of theoretical assumptions which is employed by a scientific community
Psychology lacks a unified paradime but has a number of schools of thought
Which theory did Sigmund Freud believe
Psychoanalytic theory
What is the premise of psychoanalytic theory
The minds conscious and unconscious thoughts, memories and desires greatly influence behaviours
Mental processes can be in conflict
Behaviour is an interplay between thoughts, feelings and desires
Freud was a pioneer in his time for indicating the ___ cure
Talking
Why was Freud controversial
His approach seemed to undermine free will to critics
In an era of sexual oppression his emphasis on sexuality was viewed as upsetting to many
