ACP Psychology Test 1

Study Notes

Wilhelm Wundt: Regarded as the "Father of Psychology"; established the first psychology lab in Germany and focused on measuring the "atoms of the mind."
Edward Titchener: A student of Wundt; introduced structuralism and used introspection to analyze the mind's components.
William James: Developed functionalism influenced by Charles Darwin; believed that mental processes evolved to adapt and aid survival.
Stanley Hall: Established the first U.S. psychology research lab; known as the "father of U.S. psychology" and founded the American Psychological Association.
John Watson: A behaviorist who argued against eugenics, asserting that environment shapes behavior; known for the "Little Albert" experiment.
Sigmund Freud: Developed psychoanalysis, focusing on unconscious motives and childhood experiences to explain behavior.

Psychophysics: Analyzes the relationship between physical stimuli and psychological experiences.
Structuralism: Focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic elements using introspection.
Functionalism: Studies mental and behavioral processes concerning how they adapt and contribute to survival.
Behaviorism: Emphasizes the study of observable behavior without considering mental processes; posits behavior is shaped by the environment.
Psychoanalytical: Freud's approach, focusing on unconscious motives and conflicts affecting behavior.

Humanism: Promotes the inherent goodness of individuals and the importance of personal growth and self-actualization; emphasizes individual choice and free will.
Gestalt Psychology: Analyzes the mind and behaviors as interconnected wholes rather than isolated parts, illustrated by optical illusions.
Developmental Psychology: Studies the physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout an individual's life span.

Psychobiologist: Explores biological influences on behavior and cognitive processes.
Neuropsychologist: Investigates the link between brain/nervous system structures and behaviors.
Behavior Geneticist: Examines the impact of genetics and environment on individual behavioral differences.
Psychiatrist: A medical doctor who treats psychological disorders, licensed to prescribe medications.
Clinical Psychologist: Focuses on assessing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Objective Introspection: A method where individuals examine their own conscious thoughts and feelings, fostering self-reflection.
Phi Phenomenon: Refers to the perception of motion created by a series of still images presented in rapid succession, involving optical illusions.
Seven Schools of Psychology: Encompasses various perspectives, including evolutionary, sociocultural, psychoanalytical, biological, cognitive, behavioral, and humanist approaches.