Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology Flashcards
Nature v. Nurture Debate
Nature is the genetics to show behavior & Nurture is how your behavior is affected by your upbringing
Dualism
The mind & body both exist as separate entities
Tabula Rosa
Individuals are born empty-minded, all knowledge comes from future experiences
Introspection
Personal observation of mental events such as thoughts, feelings, and sensations, (Wundt)
Structuralism
Study of sensations & personal experiences analyzed as basic elements (Wundt’s ideas)
Functionalism
A school of psychology where behavior adapts to environmental obstacles
Eclectic
Different forms and techniques
Applied Research
Scientific study that focuses on solving problems, curing illnesses, & innovating new technologies
Basic Research
Theory-driven, hypothesis-testing science driven by a quest for fundamental understanding
Psychiatrist
A psychologist who can create prescriptions
Psychoanalytic
Theories that deal with the unconscious mind, and forms mental disorder treatment
Behaviorism
Understanding the behavior of humans & other animals
Humanist Perspective
Assumption in psychology that people are essentially good & constructive, self-actualization is the goal
Psychoanalytic Perspective
Reason why individuals engage in certain behaviors
Biopsychology Perspective (Neuroscience)
Focuses on the physical& biological roots of behavior
Evolutionary Perspective (Darwinian)
Personalities & individual differences have evolved to adapt to the situation
Behavioral Perspective
All behaviors are learned through conditioned interactions with the environment
Cognitive Perspective
Focuses on how internal thoughts & feelings influence one’s behavior
Social-Cultural Perspective (Sociocultural)
How behavior is affected by their surroundings, social & cultural factors
Hindsight Bias
One becomes convinced they accurately predicted an event before it occured
Hypothesis
Predicted outcome or educated guess of an experiment
Independent Variable
Variable manipulated by the researcher
Dependent Variable
Measures the effect of the experiment
Theory
Comprehensive explanation of observable events
Operational Definitions
Definition of what is being measured & how to be on the same page
Validity
Measures the goal for the measuring, accuracy
Reliability
Measured results can be repeated, or consistent each time
Sample
A smaller subpart of a population
Population
A group of objects/organisms belonging to a particular category
Representative Sample
A small random portion of a population that reflects the demographics of the whole one
Random Sampling
A random sample group with an equal chance of each person being selected
Experiment
A study in manipulating at least one variable while measuring at least one other variable
Confounding Variables
A variable that accidentally manipulates/interferes with the data
Random Assignment
Use of chance to place subjects in experiments & control groups