Prologue Flashcards
behaviorism
the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).
humanistic psychology
historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and the individual’s potential for personal growth
cognitive neuroscience
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)
psychology
the science of behavior and mental processes.
nature–nurture issue
the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today’s science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.
natural selection
the principle that, among he range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
levels of analysis
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon
biopsychosocial approach
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
basic research
pure science that aims o increase the scientific knowledge base.
applied research
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
counseling psychology
a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being.
clinical psychology
a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders
psychiatry
a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy.
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.
community psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environment and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply reading, information. Also sometimes referred to a a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.
SQ3R
a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review
structuralism
an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the structural elements of the human mind
functionalism
a school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral process function-how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish
Aristotle
300 BC Started the philosophy of the mind Value of direct observation. Sensation as raw material of knowledge. How mental processes function. Theories of motivation, learning, reason….
What he got right – overall framework
Reliance on observation
The scientific method
First systematic account of the mind
Wilhelm Wundt
- father of experimental psychology
- 1st psychological lab
- perception and consciousness – looking at unconscious processes and reactions
- distinguished psychology from philosophy to science with the need for experimental methods
Wundt’s first Lab experiment
1st group: Press the key when sound occurred
RT 1/10 sec
2nd group: Press the key when consciously aware of perceiving
RT 2/10 sec
found that the conscious process follows unconscious awareness
Edward Titchener
- 1800-1900
- brought experimental psychology to USA
- STRUCTURALISM – introspection (elemental structures of consciousness)
- wanted to break down consciousness into its smallest constituent part
problem with introspection
hard for people to accurately describes their inner feelings
