Week 1: Intro and History Of Psychology Flashcards
What is Psychology
Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental processes, behaviour and the interaction between them.
What is an Overt process
Overt processes are observable processes/behaviours. Including things directly observable like eating, sleeping, talking, moving, ect
What are Covert processes
Covert Processes are processes that are internal such as thinking, learning, feeling, reasoning, ect…
What is Structuralism and who is it’s proponent
The proponent of Structuralism is Wundt. Structuralism revolves around the structure of consciousness (how it’s built and what it’s made up of). Advocates introspection to examine the structure of consciousness. It is used to identify basic elements and their relationships (sensations, feelings, and emotions).
What is Functionalism and who is it’s proponent
The proponent of Functionalism is William James. Functionalism is about the function of consciousness. What it gets done rather then what it is made up of. Revolves around the purpose of consciousness and is a more practical approach that looks into patterns, differences and effects.
What is the Psychodynamic approach and who developed it
Freud developed the Psychodynamic approach which focuses on the unconscious. It attempts to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders in terms of unconscious behaviours. This approach rests on three key principles. 1. People’s actions are determined by the way thoughts, feelings and wishes are connected in their minds. 2. Many mental events occur in the unconscious mind. 3. Mental processes may conflict with each other (resulting in forgetting something, anxiety, ect). This approach set the implication that we are not masters of our minds but at mercy to unconscious feelings, thoughts, and desires.
What is Behaviourism and who developed it
Behaviourism was developed by Watson and proposed psychology should only study overt processes that can be directly observed. Abandoned the study of the unconscious and redefined psychology as the science of behaviour. Behaviourism takes an extreme nurture stance on the nature vs nurture debate and focuses on observable behaviour such as learning.
What is the Humanistic Perspective and who developed it.
Developed by Rogers and Maslow the Humanistic approach defies behaviourism and objected to the claim that we have no free will. Argued that other approaches were dehumanising and failed to recognise unique qualities. Stated that human behaviour is governed primarily by each individuals sense of self worth.
What is the Cognitive Perspective
Cognitive perspective brought a renewed interest in consciousness and physiological bases of behaviour. Not made as a response to behaviourism but more to the emergence of new technologies as it found ways to measure covert processes. The implication of this perspective is that we must study internal/covert processes to understand behaviour
What is the Evolutionary Perspective
The evolutionary perspective states that human behaviour evolved because it helped our ancestors to survive and reproduce. It implies some behaviours are biologically determined (e.g sexual impulses). Applies Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to human behaviour (natural selection, adaptive traits, reproductive success). States patterns of behaviour are products of evolution
Summarise the focuses of the 5 perspectives of Psychology
Psychodynamic: focus on unconscious processes, conflict, and early experiences.
Behaviourism: Focus on learning (behaviour modified by consequences)
Humanistic: Focus on unique individual motivation to achieve goals.
Cognitive: Focus on thought and memory
Evolutionary: Focus on why we feel, think, or behave the way we do
Define introspection
The examination or observation of ones own mental and emotional processes.
Self-actualisation
The complete realisation of ones potential, and full development of ones abilities and appreciation for life
What is the focus of Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology focuses on understanding and harnessing positive emotions and actively seeking to help people flourish
What is Aphasia
Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write
