Introduction to Psychology

The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.

A system of knowledge based on observation and measurement.

Any observable action or activity by an individual.

Internal thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.

Focuses on the fundamental components of consciousness.

Established the first psychology research lab.

Looking inward to examine one's thoughts and feelings.

1879 - When Wundt's lab was created.

Emphasizes how the mind functions to help us adapt & survive; what purpose does behavior serve?

Focuses on how we perceive whole patterns, rather than individual details. 'The whole is bigger than the sum of the parts'.

Studies observable behavior and how it's influenced by the environment. Focus only on what is measurable.

Emphasizes unconscious forces and the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour.

The branch of psychology focused on diagnosing and treating mental health issues.

This branch focuses on helping people navigate everyday challenges and personal growth.

The study of mental disorders and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

These include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, phobias, schizophrenia, and addiction.

They often work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, or academic settings.

A theory of personality and a method of treatment that emphasizes unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences.

Psychologists who expanded on Freud's ideas but also challenged some of his concepts.

A perspective that emphasizes individual growth, freewill, and the importance of our self-concept.

The innate tendency to strive for personal growth and fulfillment.

The study of mental processes such as memory, attention, language, and thought.

The study of how biological processes in the brain and nervous system influence behavior.

The study of how natural selection influences behavior and mental processes.

The study of how social and cultural factors influence behavior and mental processes.

The study of how psychology applies to the workplace, focusing on issues like employee motivation and selection, training and development, and organizational behavior.

The field that explores how humans learn in educational settings. Research focuses on instructional design, curriculum development, and learning problems in students.

The application of psychological principles to legal matters, including child custody disputes, criminal responsibility, and personal injury cases.

The study of how psychological factors influence health, illness, and healthcare. This includes understanding the role of emotions, stress, and behavior on well-being.

To carefully observe and describe behavior using scientific methods. This focuses on what is happening, not why.

To investigate the causes of behavior through research and experimentation. This aims to determine why something happens.

To predict when a particular behavior will occur in the future based on previous observations and understanding of its causes.

To modify or improve inappropriate behavior or circumstances using knowledge and techniques from psychology.

The ongoing debate about whether our traits and behaviors are primarily determined by our genes (nature) or our environment and experiences (nurture).

This debate explores whether our actions are driven more by our inner personality or the situations we find ourselves in.

This debate considers if people remain fundamentally the same throughout life or if we can change our perceptions and behaviors.

This debate examines whether human behavior is shaped by unique factors like culture or if there are universal traits common to all people.

Is someone a great musician because they were born with natural talent (nature) or because they practiced a lot (nurture)?

Is a person's anger in traffic due to their inherently angry personality (person) or the stressful situation (situation)?

Does someone's personality remain constant over time (stable) or can they change (change)?

Are greetings across cultures similar (universal) or different (diverse)?