Introduction to Psychology

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Questions and Answers

Which approach best exemplifies psychology's reliance on objective, measurable evidence?

  • The scientific method (correct)
  • Psychoanalytic theory
  • Introspection
  • Functionalism

A researcher aims to understand the role of specific brain structures in memory. Which type of psychological measure is most aligned with this?

  • Behavioral measure
  • Introspection
  • Self-report measure
  • Physiological measure (correct)

What fundamental principle underlies the use of the empirical method in psychological research?

  • Subjective interpretation is the only valid approach to understanding human behavior.
  • Knowledge should be acquired through observation and experimentation. (correct)
  • Abstract reasoning and logical deduction are sufficient for understanding the mind.
  • Intuition and personal beliefs are the best sources of knowledge.

A therapist focuses on uncovering a patient's repressed memories to understand their current psychological distress. Which historical figure's approach is most reflected in this therapeutic method?

<p>Sigmund Freud (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Gestalt psychology differ from structuralism?

<p>Gestalt psychology emphasizes the whole experience, while structuralism focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic components. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying how childhood experiences influence personality in adulthood. Which subfield of psychology does this best represent?

<p>Developmental Psychology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the core belief of humanistic psychology?

<p>All individuals have the potential for good and self-actualization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A psychologist investigates how people's attitudes toward environmental conservation are influenced by observing others' behaviors. This research aligns with which area of psychology?

<p>Social psychology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the cognitive revolution influence the field of psychology?

<p>It shifted the focus away from observable behavior to internal mental processes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist?

<p>Psychiatrists have a medical degree and can prescribe medication, while clinical psychologists typically have a PhD or PsyD. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of psychology would be most concerned with designing a workplace that maximizes employee productivity and well-being?

<p>Industrial-Organizational Psychology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is studying the historical context of psychology. What is a central focus when examining Wilhelm Wundt's contributions?

<p>His establishment of the first psychology laboratory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do operant and classical conditioning, as studied by Skinner and Pavlov respectively, differ in their basic approach?

<p>Classical conditioning involves learning through association of events, while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A psychologist is investigating the degree to which genetics and early childhood experiences contribute to adult personality. Which perspective is guiding this psychologist's research?

<p>Contemporary (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following psychological perspectives is most likely to consider how our ancestral past shapes our current behavior?

<p>Evolutionary Psychology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What methodological concern primarily led to the decline in the use of introspection as a research tool in psychology?

<p>Introspection was unreliable due to its subjective nature. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A forensic psychologist is asked to assess the competency of a defendant to stand trial. In which area of psychology is this psychologist working?

<p>Forensic Psychology (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of William James's functionalism?

<p>Understanding the purpose and adaptive functions of psychological processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A health psychologist is designing an intervention to help patients manage chronic pain. Which factors will they likely consider in their approach?

<p>The interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following research questions best aligns with the field of sport and exercise psychology?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind.

The Scientific Method

Systematic empirical observation, measurement, and evaluation.

Empirical Method

Method for acquiring knowledge based on observation.

Wilhelm Wundt

Pioneered use of psychological measures in research on human minds and behavior.

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Physiological measure

Assess physical manifestations of the underlying psychology.

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Behavioral measure

Assess overt behaviors that indicate underlying psychology.

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Gestalt psychology

Focus on how the parts of a sensory experience relate to each other as a whole to produce our perception.

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Behaviorism

Focus on observing and controlling behavior.

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Classical conditioning

Organisms learn to associate events that repeatedly happen together.

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Operant conditioning

Organisms learn to associate a behavior and its consequence (reward or punishment).

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Humanism

Emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans.

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Biopsychology

Explores how our biology influences our behavior.

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Evolutionary Psychology

Seeks to identify human psychological adaptations with regards to the ancestral problems they evolved to solve.

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Developmental Psychology

Study of development across the lifespan.

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Personality Psychology

Study of patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

  • Psychology constitutes the scienPsychology is the scientific study of the mind.nd.
  • Psychologists employ the scientific method to gain knowledge.

The Scientific Method

  • Involves systematic empirical observation, along with measurement and evaluation.
  • Is an empirical method.
  • The empirical method involves acquiring knowledge through observation.

History of Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)

  • Associated with voluntarism.
  • Pioneered the use of psychological measures when researching human minds and behavior.
  • Physiological measures assess physical manifestations of underlying psychology.
  • Behavioral measures assess overt behaviors that indicate underlying psychology.
  • Self-report measures directly solicit information.
  • Introduced introspection.
  • There were problems with introspection.

William James (1842-1910)

  • Was an American psychologist.
  • Aimed to study and understand the function of behavior in the world.
  • Associated with functionalism.
  • Functionalism also had limitations.

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

  • Was an Austrian neurologist.
  • Worked with patients experiencing various psychological disorders.
  • Held the belief that problems stem from the unconscious mind.
  • Founded psychoanalytic theory.
  • Psychoanalytic theory also had its limitations.

Gestalt Psychology

  • Highlights how sensory experiences interrelate as a whole to shape our perception.
  • Key figures include Max Wertheimer (1880–1943).
  • Others include Kurt Koffka (1886–1941).
  • Along with Wolfgang Köhler (1887–1967).

Behaviorism

  • Focuses on observing and controlling behavior.
  • Founded by John B. Watson (1878-1958).
  • Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) developed classical conditioning.
  • Classical conditioning explains how organisms learn to associate events occurring together repeatedly.
  • B.F. Skinner (1904–1990) developed operant conditioning.
  • Operant conditioning explains how organisms learn to associate a behavior with its consequence, be it reward or punishment.

Humanism

  • Emphasizes the inherent potential for good in all humans.
  • Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) was a key figure.
  • As was Carl Rogers (1902-1987).

Cognitive Revolution

  • Established the mind as a focal point of scientific inquiry.
  • Noam Chomsky was a key figure.

Contemporary Psychology

  • Is a diverse field influenced by all historical perspectives.
  • Biopsychology explores the influence of biology on behavior.
  • Evolutionary Psychology seeks to identify human psychological adaptations related to ancestral problems.
  • The cognitive perspective focuses on the mind.
  • Developmental Psychology studies human development across a lifespan.
  • Personality Psychology studies patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make individuals unique.
  • Social Psychology focuses on how we interact and relate to others.
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychology applies psychological theories, principles, and research findings in industrial and organizational settings.
  • Health Psychology focuses on how health is affected by the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology studies the psychological aspects of sport performance.
  • Forensic Psychology deals with questions of psychology arising in the context of the justice system.
  • Clinical Psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior.

Careers in Psychology

  • Clinical psychologists typically hold a PhD or a PsyD, while psychiatrists hold a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD).
  • Both psychiatrists and licensed clinical psychologists are qualified to administer and interpret psychological tests.
  • Only psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medications.
  • Clinical psychology will be further discussed in chapters 15 and 16.
  • Chapter 15 focuses on psychological disorders.
  • Chapter 16 focuses on therapy and treatment.

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