Questions and Answers
What does the word 'psychology' mean?
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mind.
Which of the following is a type of psychologist that diagnoses and treats psychological problems?
In what disciplines do the roots of modern psychology lie?
Philosophy and physiology
What is Descartes' view of the relationship between mind and body?
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Describe the view known as nativism.
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What are the major features of Darwin's theory of evolution?
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Who were the pioneers of the school of structuralism?
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What is systematic introspection?
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What is the basic approach of functionalism?
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Study Notes
Definition of Psychology
- Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior and mind.
- Emphasis on psychology's scientific approach differentiates it from mere study of the mind.
- "Mind" encompasses subjective experiences like sensations, thoughts, and emotions; "behavior" includes observable actions and can refer to cellular activities and internal feelings.
Types of Psychologists
- Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health issues, e.g., depression and anxiety, and provide guidance on personal challenges.
- Applied psychologists apply scientific principles to address practical problems in everyday life.
- Research psychologists focus on uncovering fundamental principles governing behavior and mental processes.
Roots of Psychology
- Modern psychology derives its foundations from philosophy and physiology.
Descartes' Mind-Body Dualism
- René Descartes proposed a dualistic view, asserting the mind and body are distinct entities.
- He argued that while the body operates mechanically, the mind influences bodily actions, particularly through the pineal gland.
Nativism vs. Empiricism
- Nativism posits that some knowledge is inherent at birth, while empiricism asserts that knowledge arises from experience.
- Immanuel Kant suggested humans possess innate structures that shape perception of the world, intertwining nature and nurture in psychological traits like intelligence.
Darwin's Theory of Evolution
- Darwin proposed that all living beings result from a prolonged evolutionary process influenced by natural selection.
- Natural selection explains how certain traits enhance survival and are passed down, which suggests inherited tendencies in human thought processes.
Structuralism
- Structuralism aimed to deconstruct the mind into fundamental elements, such as sensations and feelings, to understand its workings.
- Pioneers: Edward Titchener and Wilhelm Wundt.
Systematic Introspection
- Systematic introspection involved individuals reflecting on and reporting their inner experiences to study the mind.
- Limitations include its focus solely on immediate experiences, which may not capture the full complexity of mental processes.
Functionalism
- Functionalism prioritizes understanding the purpose of mental processes and behaviors over their constituent elements, contrasting with structuralism's focus.
- Influences of evolutionary theory are evident in functionalists' considerations of how mental functions aid survival.
- Key figure: William James is commonly associated with functionalism.
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Description
This quiz explores the definition of psychology, highlighting its scientific approach and differentiation from mere mind study. It also covers the various types of psychologists and the roots of psychology, including Descartes' mind-body dualism. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts of psychology.
