Questions and Answers
What is empiricism?
Which of these options describe structuralism?
What does functionalism explore?
How mental and behavioral processes function
Define experimental psychology.
Signup and view all the answers
Behaviorism states that psychology should study mental processes.
Signup and view all the answers
What defines humanistic psychology?
Signup and view all the answers
What does cognitive neuroscience study?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the nature-nurture issue?
Signup and view all the answers
What is natural selection?
Signup and view all the answers
The biopsychosocial approach combines biological, psychological, and social factors.
Signup and view all the answers
Define clinical psychology.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between basic research and applied research?
Signup and view all the answers
A ___________ is a factor that may produce an effect in an experiment other than the independent variable.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the definition of validity in research?
Signup and view all the answers
The histogram is a depiction of a correlation.
Signup and view all the answers
What does the independent variable signify in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of debriefing in research?
Signup and view all the answers
Define the testing effect.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Key Concepts in Psychology
-
Empiricism: Knowledge originates from experience; emphasizes observation and experimentation in science.
-
Structuralism: Early psychological approach focused on the structure of the mind using introspection, advocated by Wundt and Titchner.
-
Functionalism: Developed by James under Darwin’s influence; examines mental and behavioral processes and their role in adaptation and survival.
-
Experimental Psychology: Involves studying behavior and thinking through experimental methods.
-
Behaviorism: Advocates for an objective view of psychology that focuses solely on observable behavior, leaving out mental processes.
-
Humanistic Psychology: Focuses on personal growth and the potential of healthy individuals.
-
Cognitive Neuroscience: Explores the connection between brain activity and cognitive functions such as perception, memory, and language.
-
Psychology: The scientific study of behaviors and mental processes.
Theories and Approaches
-
Nature-Nurture Issue: Ongoing debate regarding the influence of genetics versus environment in shaping psychological traits and behaviors.
-
Natural Selection: Principle stating that traits enhancing survival and reproduction are likely to be passed on through generations.
-
Levels of Analysis: Different perspectives—biological, psychological, social-cultural—used to analyze phenomena.
-
Biopsychosocial Approach: Integrates biological, psychological, and social-cultural analysis.
Branches of Psychology
-
Developmental Psychology: Studies changes in physical, cognitive, and social aspects throughout the lifespan.
-
Educational Psychology: Focuses on how psychological processes can enhance teaching and learning.
-
Cognitive Psychology: Investigates mental activities related to thinking, knowing, and remembering.
-
Social Psychology: Examines how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another.
-
Clinical Psychology: Involves assessing and treating psychological disorders.
-
Counseling Psychology: Aims to help individuals tackle everyday challenges and improve well-being.
-
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Applies psychological concepts to workplace improvement.
Research Methods and Statistics
-
Case Study: In-depth examination of a single individual or group to uncover universal principles.
-
Naturalistic Observation: Recording behavior in natural settings without manipulation.
-
Survey: Technique for gathering data on attitudes or behaviors from a representative sample.
-
Correlation: Assesses the degree to which two variables change together; correlational data can predict relationships.
-
Experiment: Manipulates factors (independent variables) to observe effects on behaviors (dependent variables).
-
Random Assignment: Participants are randomly allocated to groups to minimize preexisting differences.
-
Double-Blind Procedure: Both participants and researchers remain unaware of participant group assignments, reducing bias.
Statistical Concepts
-
Descriptive Statistics: Measures and describes data characteristics; includes mean, median, and mode.
-
Inferential Statistics: Allows for generalizations from sample data to broader populations.
-
Statistical Significance: Indicates the likelihood that results are not due to chance.
-
Standard Deviation: Measures score variability around the mean.
-
Skewed Distribution: Distribution of scores that is asymmetrical around the average.
Ethical Considerations
-
Informed Consent: Participants must be fully informed about the study's nature and risks before agreeing to participate.
-
Debriefing: Explains the study's purposes and deceptions after participation, ensuring participants understand the research.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the foundational theories and approaches in psychology including empiricism, structuralism, and functionalism. This quiz covers essential topics that define the discipline and its evolution. Test your understanding of the diverse perspectives that shape psychological science.