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Questions and Answers
What are the main mental processes emphasized by cognitive psychology?
Cognitive psychology emphasizes mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, and language.
Who were the key figures in the development of humanistic psychology during the mid-20th century?
Key figures in the development of humanistic psychology include Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
What did Martin Seligman introduce in 1998, and why is it significant?
Martin Seligman introduced the concept of positive psychology in 1998, focusing on well-being and positive emotions.
How did cognitive psychology emerge in relation to behaviorism?
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What therapeutic approach did Albert Ellis develop in the 1960s, and how does it relate to cognitive therapy?
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What is the meaning of the term 'psychology' derived from Greek?
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How does Plato's definition of psychology differ from modern interpretations?
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What criticism can be made of Aristotle's definition of psychology?
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In what way do Descartes and James' definitions of psychology limit the field?
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How does Wundt's approach to psychology emphasize the individual experience?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Psychology
- Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior, including its application to human problems.
- The word "psychology" comes from the Greek words "psyche" (meaning "soul") and "logos" (meaning "discourse" or "science").
- Psychology is often defined as the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
- Early definitions of Psychology varied significantly.
- Plato considered it the science of the psyche or soul.
- Aristotle saw it as the science of living organisms.
- Medieval psychology was the science of the mind; positive science deals with objective facts, including evaluations, while normative science concerns evaluations based on standards or values.
Various Definitions
- Different thinkers have proposed diverse definitions for psychology.
- Descartes, James, and Angell saw psychology as the science of consciousness.
- Consciousness, however, covers only a portion of the mind, overlooking the unconscious and subconscious parts.
- Leibnitz focused on the science of the conscious and subconscious mind.
- Wundt saw psychology as the science of individual experience.
Schools of Thought
- 1900s-1920s: Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud): focused on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences.
- 1910s-1920s: Behaviorism (John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner): emphasized observable behavior and conditioning.
- 1920s-1930s: Gestalt psychology (Max Wertheimer, Wolfgang Köhler, and Kurt Koffka): emphasized holistic perception and experience.
- 1950s-1960s: Cognitive psychology emerged : focused on mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, and language.
- 1950s-1960s Humanistic psychology (Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers): emphasized personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience.
- 1960s-1970s: Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck): REBT, CBT.
Positive Psychology and Neuroscience
- Late 20th century: Advances in neuroscience improved understanding of brain functions and their relation to behavior and mental disorders.
- 1998: Martin Seligman introduced the concept of positive psychology, emphasizing well-being, strengths, and positive emotions.
Technology and Contemporary Approaches
- The 2000s saw the rise of online therapy and digital interventions, expanding access to psychological support.
- The 2010s saw advances in neuropsychology revealing insights into brain-behavior relationships.
- The 2020s is seeing increased focus on cultural psychology, global mental health, and integration of various psychological approaches.
History of Psychology
- Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and China contemplated human behavior, laying groundwork for psychology. Ancient Greek philosophers (Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle) laid the foundation for the study.
- Plato believed the brain controlled mental processes. Aristotle thought the heart was responsible.
- Important dates:
- 1879: Wilhelm Wundt opened the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany.
- 1885: G. Stanley Hall established the first psychology lab in the United States.
- 1890: William James published The Principles of Psychology, a foundational text.
- 1886: Sigmund Freud began therapy in Vienna.
- 1892: The American Psychological Association (APA) was founded.
Key Questions in Psychology
- Questions in psychology are fundamental; they explore "why", "what", and "how", aspects of behavior and human nature.
- "Why?" seeks explanations of causes and motivations
- "What?" seeks careful, unbiased observations of behavior, emotions, and thoughts.
- "How?" investigates processes and mechanisms underlying phenomena.
Examples of Psychological Questions (and areas of study)
- Why do we tickle ourselves?
- Why do we yawn when others yawn?
- Why do we enjoy scary movies?
- Why is there a fear of clowns?
- What causes a favorite color?
- What causes brain freeze?
- How can we suddenly remember forgotten memories?
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of psychology, the scientific study of human and animal behavior. This quiz covers various definitions and historical perspectives on psychology, including insights from thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes. Test your knowledge on the mind, consciousness, and the evolution of psychological thought.