Psyche week 1-4 Flashcards
What does the word ‘psychology’ mean?
Psychology is derived from ‘psyche’ (soul/mind) and ‘ology’ (study of), meaning the study of human behavior and the mind.
Who introduced the theory of dualism?
Rene Descartes introduced dualism, which explains the separation between biological and mental processes.
What is the Cartesian paradigm?
A philosophical framework developed by Descartes that emphasizes the separation of mind and body.
Who is considered the father of modern psychology?
Wilhelm Wundt, who established the first psychological laboratory in 1879.
What is structuralism in psychology?
A school of thought introduced by Edward Titchener that analyzes the structure of consciousness through introspection.
What is functionalism?
A psychological perspective promoted by William James that focuses on the purpose of consciousness and behavior.
What is psychoanalysis?
A theory developed by Sigmund Freud that focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.
What is behaviorism?
A psychological approach led by John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner that focuses on observable behavior and reinforcement.
What was the cognitive revolution?
A movement in the 1950s-60s that shifted focus back to mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.
What do behaviorists believe about learning?
Behaviorists believe that behavior is learned through environmental factors and reinforcement.
What is conditioned aversion?
A learned dislike or negative response to a stimulus, often used in aversion therapy.
What are the three components of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory?
The id (pleasure principle), ego (reality principle), and superego (internal moral code).
What are defense mechanisms?
Psychological strategies used by the ego to reduce anxiety caused by conflicts between the id, ego, and superego.
What is ethnocentrism?
The tendency to view one’s own cultural group as superior and the standard for judging others.
What is individualism vs. collectivism?
Individualism emphasizes personal goals and identity, while collectivism prioritizes group goals and social ties.
What is classical conditioning?
A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
Who discovered classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov, through his experiments with dogs.
What is operant conditioning?
A learning process where behavior is shaped by consequences such as reinforcement or punishment.
Who developed operant conditioning?
B.F. Skinner, through his work with reinforcement and punishment.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.
What is negative reinforcement?
Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behavior.
What is positive punishment?
Adding an aversive stimulus to decrease a behavior.
What is negative punishment?
Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behavior.
What are the differences between classical and operant conditioning?
Classical conditioning involves involuntary responses and stimulus associations, while operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviors and consequences.
What is culture in psychology?
Culture consists of socially acquired values, beliefs, and practices that influence human behavior and cognition.
What is the function of culture?
Culture provides a framework for thinking, feeling, and behaving, shaping emotions, cognition, and social interactions.
What are idioms of distress?
Culturally accepted ways of expressing psychological distress, often through physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
What is the DSM?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a classification system used by mental health professionals.
What is African psychology?
A psychological approach that integrates African traditions, spirituality, and communal identity into mental health practices.
What is Ubuntu in African psychology?
A philosophy emphasizing community, dignity, and collective well-being.
What role do traditional healers play in African mental health?
Traditional healers use rituals, herbal remedies, and spiritual assessments to treat mental illness.
What is the significance of ukuthwasa?
A spiritual calling process for individuals to become traditional healers, sometimes mistaken for schizophrenia in Western psychiatry.
Why is cultural sensitivity important in mental health diagnosis?
It ensures that diagnoses and treatments align with cultural beliefs and values, reducing misinterpretation of symptoms.
What is the difference between Afrocentric psychology and African psychology?
Afrocentric psychology focuses on theories exclusive to people of African descent, while African psychology adopts a universal approach.
How did psychology evolve in South Africa?
Psychology in South Africa initially justified racial policies but later evolved into a more inclusive discipline with the formation of PsySSA post-1994
