General Psychology Chapters 1-6 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is psychology?

The science of behavior and mental processes.

What is positive psychology?

A field of research that focuses on people's positive experiences and characteristics, such as happiness, optimism, and resilience.

Describe the field of neuroscience.

The scientific study of all levels of the nervous system, including neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurology, and neuropharmacology.

Explain William Wundt's approach to cognitive psychology.

Used methods of laboratory science to study sensory-perceptual systems, focusing on consciousness and its organization. Signup and view all the answers

What is functionalism according to William James?

A perspective aiming to understand how mental events function to help us adapt to our environment. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Watson's ideas about behaviorism.

To study only observable behavior and explain it through learning principles. Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic ideas of the biological approach?

Behavior and mental processes are largely shaped by biological processes. Signup and view all the answers

How did psychology develop as a science?

Its roots trace back through philosophy, with empiricism being crucial to its development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the psychodynamic approach?

Views developed by Freud that emphasize the interplay of conscious mental processes in determining human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is behavior in the context of psychology?

An approach to psychology emphasizing that human behavior is determined mainly by learned experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive psychology focus on?

How the brain takes in information, creates perceptions, processes memories, and generates actions. Signup and view all the answers

How has diversity in psychology changed over time?

Initially, most psychologists were white, middle-class men, but now women make up 60% of psychologists in the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of sociocultural diversity on psychology?

Psychologists once assumed all people were alike, but now recognize diverse principles apply to different groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are descriptive statistics?

Numbers that summarize a set of research data. Signup and view all the answers

What are inferential statistics?

A set of mathematical procedures that help psychologists make inferences about their research. Signup and view all the answers

How do experiments work in psychology?

Researchers manipulate one variable to observe its effects on another while holding other variables constant. Signup and view all the answers

What is a variable in the context of experiments?

The variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The factor affected by the independent variable in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a random variable?

A confound in which uncontrolled factors affect the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the placebo effect.

A physical or psychological treatment that produces an effect due to the recipient's belief in its efficacy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Psychology

Psychology: The science focused on behavior and mental processes.
Positive Psychology: Research field studying positive traits and experiences, like happiness and resilience.

Neuroscience and Historical Foundations

Neuroscience: Examines all levels of the nervous system, encompassing neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neurology, and neuropharmacology.
William Wundt: Established the first formal psychology research lab in 1879 in Germany, utilizing laboratory methods to study consciousness and sensory-perceptual systems.
Functionalism: Proposed by William James, focusing on how mental processes help adapt to the environment through the "stream of consciousness" and decision-making.

Behaviorism and Biological Perspectives

Behaviorism: Championed by John B. Watson, emphasizes studying observable behavior and learning principles rather than introspection.
Biological Approach: Suggests behavior and mental processes are influenced by biological factors, studying hormones, genes, and brain activity.

Evolution and Diversity in Psychology

Development of Psychology: Rooted in philosophy with key contributions from empiricism, marking its evolution as a scientific discipline.
Psychodynamic Approach: Developed by Freud, it explores the interplay of conscious and unconscious processes that shape thoughts and behaviors.
Diversity in Psychology: Initially dominated by white men, the field has seen increased participation from women and ethnic minorities, with 60% of psychologists in the U.S. being women.

Statistical Understanding and Research Methods

Descriptive Statistics: Summarizes research data through numerical values.
Inferential Statistics: Enables psychologists to make inferences about research implications through mathematical procedures.

Experimental Research Design

Experimentation: Involves manipulating one variable to observe its effect on another while controlling other variables.
Variables:
- Independent Variable: The manipulated factor in an experiment.
- Dependent Variable: The factor measured to understand changes due to the independent variable.
- Random Variable: Uncontrolled factors that can influence the dependent variable, potentially confounding results.

Placebo Effect

Placebo Effect: A phenomenon where a participant experiences improvement from a non-active treatment due to their belief in its efficacy.

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Test your knowledge with flashcards covering key concepts from the first six chapters of General Psychology. This quiz includes essential terms and definitions that are foundational to understanding human behavior and mental processes. Perfect for students or anyone interested in psychology.