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Questions and Answers
Psychology is derived from two Greek words: Psyche and ______.
Logos
The Father of Psychology is ______.
William Wundt
According to Edward Titchner, structuralism is the idea that experience can be broken down into its individual emotions and ______.
sensations
Hermann Von Helmholtz asserted that perception is only an unconscious ______.
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Psychology uses the scientific ______ to understand behavior and mental processes.
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To ______ helps determine next (future) events.
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The ______ focuses on the biological bases of behavior and mental processes.
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A ______ is an educated guess made prior to testing in psychology.
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Naturalistic observation does not ______ the environment.
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Self-awareness refers to the capacity to ______ or understand ourselves as individuals.
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Study Notes
Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology, approximately 138 years old, combines Greek words “Psyche” (soul) and “Logos” (word).
- Defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the human mind.
- Employs the scientific method for data-driven understanding of human behavior.
Importance of Psychology
- Enhances self-understanding and comprehension of others.
- Explores the connection between mental health and physical state; stress impacts body conditions.
- Utilizes precise measurement, research methods, and promotes critical thinking in evaluation.
Mental Processes
- Mental processes encompass covert activities of the mind, including thinking, feeling, and remembering.
- Historical philosophers contributing to psychological thought include Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes.
Key Figures in Psychology
- Gustav Fechner: Regarded as the Father of Psychophysics; explored the link between physical stimuli and mental sensations.
- Hermann Von Helmholtz: Asserted sensations relate to the nervous system; suggested perception is an unconscious process.
Pioneers of Psychology
- William Wundt: Known as the Father of Psychology; introduced the concept of consciousness and objective introspection for examining mental activities.
- Edward Titchner: Established structuralism, breaking down experiences into basic emotions and sensations.
- William James: Promoted functionalism, linking behavior with survival traits passed through heredity.
Goals/Objectives of Psychology
- To describe: Offers detailed accounts of observations to identify "What is happening?"
- To explain: Aims to devise theories to answer "Why is it happening?"
- To predict: Seeks to forecast future events, addressing "When will it happen again?" using identified patterns.
- To control: Enables behavior modification to answer "How can behavior be changed?" through reinforcements.
The Scientific Approach in Psychology
- Steps include perceiving questions, forming and testing hypotheses, drawing conclusions, and reporting results.
- Hypotheses are educated guesses that undergo testing to determine their validity.
Research Methods in Psychology
- Naturalistic Observation: Observing subjects without controlling the environment; potential behavior modification due to observation.
- Case Studies: In-depth examination of individuals, such as those with mental disorders or unique abilities.
- Laboratory Observation: Conducts experiments in controlled environments to measure variables.
- Surveys: Collect data from larger populations to identify trends and insights.
Self-Awareness in Psychology
- Self-awareness involves understanding oneself as an individual, including personality, actions, beliefs, and values.
Modern Perspectives in Psychology
- Biological Perspective: Focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior, highlighting the role of the nervous system in mental processes.
- Biophysical Perspective: Examines how body chemistry (brain chemicals, diseases, hormones) influences behavior and thoughts.
- Evolutionary Perspective: Analyzes universal mental characteristics through a biological lens, emphasizing evolutionary implications.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of psychology, a scientific study of behavior and mental processes that has evolved over the last 139 years. This quiz delves into the key definitions and concepts that form the foundation of understanding human behavior and the mind.
