Questions and Answers
What do cognitive psychologists focus on?
What do behaviorists explain human thought and behavior in terms of?
Conditioning
What is the primary focus of evolutionary psychologists?
What do biopsychologists explain human thought and behavior in terms of?
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Who is associated with the Psychoanalytic Perspective?
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What do humanists stress in their approach?
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What aspect does the Social-Cultural Perspective focus on?
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What does Functionalism examine?
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What technique did William Wundt use in his studies?
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What do behavioral geneticists research?
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What does Positive Psychology focus on?
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Who established the first psychological laboratory?
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What was William James known for?
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Who was the first female president of the American Psychological Association?
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Study Notes
Cognitive Perspective
- Examines human thought and behavior through interpretation, processing, and memory of environmental events.
- Emphasizes that methods used to view the world are crucial for understanding thoughts and behaviors.
Behavioral Perspective
- Explains human thoughts and behaviors based on conditioning (learning).
- Focuses solely on observable behaviors and responses, dominating psychology from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Evolutionary (or Darwinian) Perspective
- Analyzes thoughts and actions through the lens of natural selection.
- Suggests that advantageous psychological traits are inherited across generations.
Biopsychology (or Neuroscience) Perspective
- Interprets human thought and behavior strictly through biological processes.
- Considers genes, hormones, and neurotransmitters as key influences on cognition and reactions.
Psychoanalytic Perspective
- Introduced by Sigmund Freud, highlighting the role of the unconscious mind in controlling thoughts and actions.
- Utilizes techniques such as dream analysis and word association to explore repressed memories and impulses.
Humanistic Perspective
- Advocated by theorists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, emphasizing individual choice and free will.
- Contrasts with deterministic views; posits that behaviors are guided by physiological, emotional, or spiritual needs.
Social-Cultural (or Sociocultural) Perspective
- Investigates how thoughts and behaviors differ across cultures and the influence of cultural values like collectivism and individualism.
- Highlights the importance of cultural context in shaping human behavior.
Functionalism
- Theory developed by William James, focusing on the practical applications and functions of mental processes.
- Considers how mental processes contribute to adaptation and survival in life.
Introspection
- A method used by Wilhelm Wundt for subjects to report cognitive reactions to stimuli.
- Aims to explore basic mental processes through firsthand accounts.
Behavior Genetics
- Related to the evolutionary perspective, examining the interplay between genetics and environment in individual differences.
- Studies how genetic factors and environmental influences shape behavior and psychology.
Positive Psychology
- A modern movement aimed at understanding life satisfaction and meaningfulness.
- Focuses on both individual and group well-being, integrating empirical research with elements from humanistic psychology.
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
- Founded the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany.
- Pioneered introspection and developed the Theory of Structuralism to study mental processes.
- Known as the "father of scientific psychology."
William James (1842-1910)
- Authored "The Principles of Psychology," the first textbook in the field.
- Established the Theory of Functionalism, linking mental processes to their functions in everyday life.
- Instrumental in bringing psychology to American academia.
Mary Whiton Calkins (1863-1930)
- A student of William James who became the first female president of the American Psychological Association in 1905.
- Completed her doctoral studies at Harvard, which did not confer her the degree despite her qualifications.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the fundamentals of psychological perspectives in AP Psychology. It covers key terms and definitions that are essential for understanding how cognitive and behavioral psychologists interpret human thought and behavior. Prepare for your AP exam with these flashcard concepts.
