psych key words (lesson 1)

Question 1

Freud

Answer 1

Freud studied the unconscious which could not be seen. Freud collected data over a long period of time by working with patients. Freudian concepts have become part of Western culture: the personality triad (id, ego, superego), projection, Oedipal Complex, Freudian slips

Question 2

Skinner

Answer 2

Skinner focused only on observable behaviour and used experimental methods.

Question 3

Theories in psych

Answer 3

Theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. A psychological theory has two key components: It must describe a behaviour and predictions about future behaviours.

Question 4

Characteristics of theories (4)

Answer 4

Based on hypothesis, backed by evidence, testable, based on a series of assumptions or principles that define a way of thinking behaviour (an approach)

Question 5

Evaluating theory - T

Answer 5

Testable - This means that we could actually “prove it wrong.” If it is not possible to test the validity of a theory, then the theory is “unfalsifiable,”

Question 6

Evaluating theory - E

Answer 6

Empirical support - Empirical support may be in the form of an experiment, observations, interviews, or case studies. It is evidence that supports a theory. However, empirical support must be replicated in order for the theory to be well supported.

Question 7

Evaluating theory - A

Answer 7

Application - (high heuristic validity) A good theory can be applied to many different situations or it improves a very specific behaviour

Question 8

Evaluating theory - C

Answer 8

Construct validity - A good theory makes sure that its variables are clearly defined so that they can be reliably measured (concepts are well-defined and can be measured)

Question 9

Evaluating theory - U

Answer 9

Unbiased - A good theory does not show bias toward a gender or culture

Question 10

Evaluating - P

Answer 10

Predicts behaviour - A good theory does not just describe what is happening, it predicts behaviour

Question 11

Psychology

Answer 11

scientific study of the mind and behaviour (systematic and controlled)

Question 12

Mind

Answer 12

the part of us that reasons, thinks, feels, perceives and judges

Question 13

Behaviour

Answer 13

coordinated responses of whole living organisms to internal and/or external stimuli (what an organism does as a result of both internal factors and environmental factors)

Question 14

Cognitive processes

Answer 14

Sometimes referred to as “thought processes” - explain how the mind works. These processes include memory, perception, attention, decision-making, and thinking/reasoning. It is the process by which existing knowledge is used to create new knowledge.

Question 15

Physiology

Answer 15

Our biological systems. Psychologists are interested in the role of our brain and nervous system, hormones, and genetics in behavior.

Question 16

Attitudes

Answer 16

Feelings of liking or disliking toward an object, person, or idea

Question 17

Emotions

Answer 17

A combination of physiological and cognitive processes. According to psychologists, there are seven basic emotions: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt

Question 18

Biological approach

Answer 18

Physiology

Question 19

Cognitive approach

Answer 19

Mental processes

Question 20

Sociocultural approach

Answer 20

Environment and culture

Question 21

Theory

Answer 21

Explanation for a psychological phenomenon (summarise, organise and explain observations). Theories are built on concepts. · Psychological theories are probable rather than certain.

Question 22

Fixed mindset

Answer 22

the idea that we have a set amount of an ability that cannot change

Question 23

Growth mindset

Answer 23

the idea that our abilities are malleable qualities that we can cultivate and grow

Question 24

Anecdotal data

Answer 24

Information derived from personal experience or observation (It is not scientific evidence, which can be verified objectively)

Question 25

Low predictive validity

Answer 25

If a theory simply labels behaviours but does not predict when or why a person might demonstrate that behaviour with any reliability, then the theory has low predictive validity.