Podcast
Questions and Answers
Psychology is derived from two Greek words: Psyche and ______.
Psychology is derived from two Greek words: Psyche and ______.
Logos
The Father of Psychology is ______.
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 ______.
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 ______.
Hermann Von Helmholtz asserted that perception is only an unconscious ______.
Psychology uses the scientific ______ to understand behavior and mental processes.
Psychology uses the scientific ______ to understand behavior and mental processes.
To ______ helps determine next (future) events.
To ______ helps determine next (future) events.
The ______ focuses on the biological bases of behavior and mental processes.
The ______ focuses on the biological bases of behavior and mental processes.
A ______ is an educated guess made prior to testing in psychology.
A ______ is an educated guess made prior to testing in psychology.
Naturalistic observation does not ______ the environment.
Naturalistic observation does not ______ the environment.
Self-awareness refers to the capacity to ______ or understand ourselves as individuals.
Self-awareness refers to the capacity to ______ or understand ourselves as individuals.
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
