What is Psychology? Chapter 1

Question 1

Definition of Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Question 2

What is Structuralism interested in?
Who is the main theorist?
What is the primary research method of Structuralism?

Answer 2

Interested in identifying structures of the mind.
Wilhelm Wundt
Introspection

Question 3

What does Functionalism emphasize?

Who is the main name connected with it?

Answer 3

Interested in identifying functions of the mind. Focused on interactions with environment.
William James/Pragmatism
Identified purpose (function) of psychology.

Question 4

What does the Neuroscience perspective emphasize?

Which approach is it a subspecialty of?

Answer 4

Structure, function, development, genetics, biochemistry of the nervous system (includes brain & spinal cord of central nervous system as well as all other nerves as part of peripheral nervous system)
Biological Approach

Question 5

What do behavioralists study/emphasize?

What are the primary viewpoints of Watson & Skinner?

Answer 5

Focuses on the environmental determinants of observable behavior that can be seen and measured.
Psychology should be concerned with what is observable; behavior.

Question 6

What are the primary things emphasized by the psychodynamic approach?

Answer 6

Emphasizes unconscious thought, conflict between internal drives and society, and early family experiences
All influence behavior, thought, and emotion

Question 7

Which of the 7 approaches in King’s Psychology is most similar to positive psychology?

Answer 7

Humanistic Approach -Focuses on positive human qualities, capacity for self-actualization, free will

Question 8

Describe Cognitive Psychology

Answer 8

Emphasizes the importance of mental processes to problem solving, learning and memory
Mental processes control behavior through memories, perceptions, and thinking

Question 9

What does the Humanistic approach emphasize?

Answer 9

How to help others achieve self-understanding. Focuses on positive human qualities, capacity for self-actualization, free will
Developed in response to the behaviorist and psychodynamic approaches

Question 10

What does the Sociocultural approach examine?

What is required to have a full understanding of behavior?

Answer 10

Examines how social and cultural environments influence behavior and mental processes
Cultural context is vital to a full understanding of behavior.

Question 11

Degree held by Clinical Psychologists

Answer 11

Doctorate in Psychology

Question 12

Degree held by Psychiatrists

Answer 12

Medical Degree

Question 13

Types of activities in which Industrial-Organizational psychologists might be involved

Answer 13

Involved in workplaces.

Question 14

Examples of activities of a Personality Psychologist

Answer 14

Studies traits, goals, motives, genetics, personality development, and well being.

Question 15

What is involved in the field of a Health Psychologist?

Answer 15

Psychological factors, lifestyle, and the nature of the healthcare delivery system. Stress and coping, physical or mental health areas.

Question 16

What do people do in the field of Developmental Psychology?

Answer 16

Concerned with how people become who they are from conception to death. Concentrate on the biological and environmental factors that contribute to human development. Their inquiries range across the biological, cognitive, and social domains of life.

Question 17

What do people do in the field of Cognitive Psychology?

Answer 17

Examines attention, consciousness, information processing, and memory. Interested in skills and abilities such as problem solving, decision making, expertise, and intelligence.

Question 18

What do people do in the field of Forensic Psychology?

Answer 18

Applies concepts of psychology to the legal system.

Question 19

What do people do in the field of Sports Psychology?

Answer 19

Applies psychology’s principles to improving sport performance and enjoying sport participation.