Quiz 1 (flashcards)
What is psychology
The scientific study of the mind (thought and emotion) and behavior. It involves empirically examining the mind and behavior, considering biology and the environment.
What are the four goals of studying mental processes and behavior in psychology?
Description: How do babies learn to talk?
Explanation: Why do we get hungry?
Prediction: When will we offer help to a stranger?
Control: Reducing stress or increasing self-care.
What are the levels of analysis in psychology?
The Brain: Neuronal activity, brain structures, and genes.
The Individual: Emotions, thoughts, ideas, consciousness, personality, and motivation.
The Group: Friends, family members, and the larger population (culture).
Note: These levels are often used interactively.
What are the levels of analysis in psychology?
The Brain: Neuronal activity, brain structures, and genes.
The Individual: Emotions, thoughts, ideas, consciousness, personality, and motivation.
The Group: Friends, family members, and the larger population (culture).
Note: These levels are often used interactively.
What was Sigmund Freud’s contribution to psychology?
Freud focused on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences, using techniques such as dream analysis, slips of the tongue, and free association. He is known for psychoanalytic theor
What are Wilhelm Wundt’s key contributions to psychology?
Introspection: Objective self-reflection/inspection of one’s thoughts.
Volunteerism: Free will.
Reaction Times (RTs).
Structuralism: Developed by Titchener.
What is William James known for in psychology?
A: William James is known for Functionalism, which focuses on the function of mental activities and behavior.
What are the core principles of Gestalt psychology?
A: Gestalt psychology, introduced by Wertheimer, Koffka, and Kohler, emphasizes that we perceive objects as whole entities rather than the sum of their parts. “Gestalt” means “whole.”
What is Behaviorism and who are its key figures?
A: Behaviorism focuses on external explanations for behavior. Key figures include:
Ivan Pavlov: Studied classical conditioning.
John Watson: Shifted focus to external behavior explanations.
B. F. Skinner: Emphasized operant conditioning with consequences (+/-).
What is the main focus of Humanistic psychology?
A: Humanistic psychology emphasizes the potential for good in individuals. Key figures include:
Abraham Maslow: Hierarchy of needs (self-actualization, esteem, belonging, safety, physiological).
Carl Rogers: Developed client-centered therapy focusing on unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.
: What is Cognitive Psychology and who are its notable contributors?
A: Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes. Notable contributors include:
Ulric Neisser: Father of cognitive psychology.
Noam Chomsky: Criticized behaviorism for neglecting mental processes.
Q: What is the significance of Multicultural and Cross-Cultural psychology?
A: It examines how culture influences behavior and mental processes. Notable figures include:
Francis Sumner: Challenged intelligence testing.
George I. Sanchez: Identified barriers for Mexican American children.
Mamie and Kenneth Clark: Research on doll preferences challenging segregated education.
Q: What are some key figures in the history of women in psychology?
Margaret Floy Washburn: First woman to earn a doctoral degree in psychology, focused on animal behavior.
Mary Whiton Calkins: Earned a PhD from Harvard but was never awarded it; focused on memory.
Mary Cover Jones: Demonstrated fear conditioning and removal in humans.
Martha Bernal: First Latina to earn a PhD, researched Mexican American children.
What does Developmental Psychology study?
A: It studies processes related to changes across the lifespan, including Jean Piaget’s concept of object permanence.
What is Personality Psychology?
A: Personality psychology studies thoughts and behaviors that make individuals unique, including the Big Five personality traits (OCEAN or CANOE), which are stable over one’s lifespan.
What does Social Psychology examine?
A: Social psychology examines how individuals interact with and relate to one another. Key figures include Milgram, Zimbardo, and Asch.
What is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?
A: This branch applies psychological theory to workplaces, focusing on personnel management, organizational structure, and hiring decisions.
Q: What are the main areas of Contemporary Psychology?
Biopsychology (Neuroscience): Examines how biology (nervous system) influences immediate behavior (e.g., sleep, drug use/abuse).
Evolutionary Psychology: Studies how biological evolution influences behavior and traits (e.g., adaptive variations).
Sensation and Perception: How sensory stimuli impact our experiences.
Cognitive Psychology: Focuses on mental processes and cognitive sciences.
Health Psychology: Examines the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors on health.
Sports & Exercise Psychology: Studies psychological aspects of sports performance and well-being.
Clinical Psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders.
Forensic Psychology: Applies psychology to the justice system, including competency to stand trial and eyewitness testimonies.
What are the typical career paths in psychology?
Academic: Professors involved in teaching and research.
Clinical and Counseling: Therapists providing mental health services.
Applied: Roles in schools, marketing, research institutions, etc.
What are the typical career paths in psychology?
Academic: Professors involved in teaching and research.
Clinical and Counseling: Therapists providing mental health services.
Applied: Roles in schools, marketing, research institutions, etc.
