Vocab Ch 1

Question 1

Psychological science

Answer 1

The study, through research, of mind, brain, and behavior

Question 2

Critical thinking

Answer 2

Systematically questioning and evaluating information using well-supported evidence

Question 3

Culture

Answer 3

The beliefs, values, rules, and customs that exist within a group of people who share a common language and environment

Question 4

Nature/nurture debate

Answer 4

The arguments concerning whether psychological characteristics are biologically innate or acquired through education, experience, and culture

Question 5

Mind/body problem

Answer 5

A fundamental psychological issue: are mind and body separate and distinct, or is mind simply the physical brains subjective experience.

Question 6

Introspection

Answer 6

A systematic examination of subjective mental experiences that requires people to inspect and report on the content of their thoughts.

Question 7

Structuralism

Answer 7

An approach to psychology based on the idea that conscious experience can be broken down into its basic underlying components.

Question 8

Stream of consciousness

Answer 8

A phrase coined by William James to describe each person’s continuous series of ever-changing thoughts.

Question 9

Functionalism

Answer 9

An approach to psychology concerned with the adaptive purpose, or function, of mind and behavior

Question 10

Evolutionary theory

Answer 10

A theory by the naturalist Charles Darwin: it views the history of a species in terms of the inherited, adaptive value of physical characteristics, of mental activity, and behavior.

Question 11

Adaptions

Answer 11

In evolutionary theory, the physical characteristics, skills, or abilities that increase the chances of reproduction or survival and are therefore likely to be passed along to future generations.

Question 12

Natural selection

Answer 12

In evolutionary theory, the idea that those who inherit characteristics that help them adapt to their particular environments have a selective advantage over those who do not.

Question 13

Unconscious

Answer 13

The place where mental processes operate below the level of conscious awareness.

Question 14

Psychoanalysis

Answer 14

A method developed by Sigmund Freud that attempts to bring the contents of the unconscious into conscious awareness so that conflicts can be revealed.

Question 15

Behaviorism

Answer 15

A psychological approach that emphasizes the role of environmental forces in producing observable behavior.

Question 16

Gestalt theory

Answer 16

A theory based on the idea that the whole of personal experience is different from he sum of its constituent elements.

Question 17

Humanistic psychology

Answer 17

This approach focuses on the basic goodness of people and how they become happier and more fulfilled.

Question 18

Cognitive neuroscience

Answer 18

The study of neural mechanisms underlying thought, learning, perception, language, and memory.

Question 19

4 levels of analysis.

Answer 19

Biological
Individual
Social
Cultural