UNIT I –The Nature of Psychology (9 hours) Flashcards
What is the Definition of Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It seeks to understand and explain how individuals think, feel, and act, both individually and in social groups.
As a Behavioral Science: What Career Fields?
Careers in clinical psychology, counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, sports psychology, and educational psychology are just a few examples. Additionally, the insights gained from psychology can be valuable in fields like marketing, human resources, and healthcare.
What are the (8) Eight Critical Thinking Guidelines in Psychology:
1.Ask Questions:
2.Define Your Terms:
3.Examine the Evidence:
4.Analyze Assumptions and Biases:
5.Avoid Emotional Reasoning:
6.Don’t Oversimplify:
7.Consider Other Interpretations:
8.Tolerate Uncertainty: Recognize that some questions may not have definitive answers.
What are the 9 Major Approaches in Psychology ?
1.Structuralism
2.Functionalism
3.Gestalt
4.Biological
5.Cognitive
6.Behavioral
7.Humanistic
8.Evolutionary
9.Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytical:
Structuralism?
Focuses on the basic elements of consciousness.
Functionalism?
Emphasizes the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior.
Gestalt?
Emphasizes the organization of stimuli into complete and meaningful wholes.
Biological?
Examines the biological basis of behavior and mental processes.
Cognitive?
Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.
Behavioral?
Analyzes observable behaviors and their environmental determinants.
Humanistic?
Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the human potential for positive change.
Evolutionary?
Examines how behavior and mental processes have evolved over time.
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytical?
This Focuses on the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.
List 8 Psychological Thinkers and Their Theories:
Freud: Psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing the role of the unconscious.
Erikson: Psychosocial development theory, emphasizing social and emotional development across the lifespan.
Piaget: Cognitive development theory, focusing on stages of intellectual growth.
Watson: Behaviorism, emphasizing observable behavior as the focus of study.
Skinner: Operant conditioning, studying the consequences of behavior.
Maslow: Hierarchy of needs, emphasizing motivation and personal growth.
Pavlov: Classical conditioning, studying learned associations between stimuli.
Rogers: Person-centered therapy, emphasizing the importance of empathy and unconditional positive regard.
Freud
Psychoanalytic theory, emphasizing the role of the unconscious.
Erikson
Psychosocial development theory, emphasizing social and emotional development across the lifespan.
Piaget
Cognitive development theory, focusing on stages of intellectual growth.
Watson
Behaviorism, emphasizing observable behavior as the focus of study.
Skinner
Operant conditioning, studying the consequences of behavior.
Maslow
Hierarchy of needs, emphasizing motivation and personal growth.
Pavlov
Classical conditioning, studying learned associations between stimuli.
Rogers
Person-centered therapy, emphasizing the importance of empathy and unconditional positive regard.
List the six 6 research Methods
1.Tests:
2.Experiment
3.Survey
4.Case Study
5.Observation
6.Correlation
Tests?
Standardized assessments to measure various psychological attributes.
Experiment?
Controlled studies to explore cause-and-effect relationships.
Survey?
Questionnaires or interviews to gather information from a sample of individuals.
Case Study?
In-depth analysis of a single individual, often used in clinical settings.
Observation?
Systematic watching and recording of behavior in naturalistic or controlled settings.
Correlation ?
Examining the statistical relationship between two or more variables, but not implying causation.
