Overview of Experimental Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What contribution did Hermann Ebbinghaus make to experimental psychology?

He focused on the psychophysics of sensation.

He developed the concept of just noticeable difference.

He studied sensory nerves in rabbits.

He conducted research on learning and memory. (correct)

Which of the following methods did Gustav Fechner establish to explore the mind-body relationship?

Method of behavioral experimentation.

Method of clinical observation.

Method of limits. (correct)

Method of cognitive analysis.

What is Charles Bell known for in the realm of experimental psychology?

Studies involving introspection.

His work on imageless thought.

His contributions to psychophysics.

Research on nerve physiology. (correct)

What significant law did Ernst Heinrich Weber create that is foundational to experimental psychology?

Weber's Law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Würzburg School founded by Oswald Külpe?

Mental set and imageless thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which figure is credited with writing 'Elemente der Psychophysik', marking an early contribution to experimental psychology?

Gustav Fechner. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes experimental psychology as a field?

It uses scientific methods to study mind and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Harry Harlow publish 'The Nature of Love'?

<ol start="1958"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is credited with establishing the first experimental psychology lab in the United States?

G. Stanley Hall Signup and view all the answers

Which publication is known as the first experimental psychology textbook?

Grundzüge der physiologischen Psychologie Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Wilhelm Wundt is true?

He is considered a founder of modern experimental psychology. Signup and view all the answers

What major contribution did Herman Ebbinghaus make to experimental psychology?

He published an influential book on memory. Signup and view all the answers

When was the American Psychological Association established?

1893 Signup and view all the answers

Which experiment is associated with John B. Watson and Rosalie Raynor?

The Little Albert Experiment Signup and view all the answers

What concept popularized by Lee Cronbach in 1955 is essential in psychological research?

Construct validity Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT traditionally a focus of research in experimental psychology?

Clinical therapies Signup and view all the answers

What does a mental set refer to in problem-solving?

A rigid adherence to only one solution approach Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with introducing experimental psychology into the United States?

George Trumbull Ladd Signup and view all the answers

In the context of experimental psychology, what does the scientific method primarily involve?

Following a series of defined steps Signup and view all the answers

Which step is typically NOT part of the scientific method?

Contemplating ethical implications Signup and view all the answers

What is self-plagiarism also known as?

Recycling fraud Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four essential elements of the scientific method?

Theoretical background Signup and view all the answers

In modern science, what is 'observability' meant to emphasize?

The reliance on natural objects that can be perceived Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step of the scientific method commonly referred to?

Reflecting on results Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Experimental Psychology Overview

Experimental psychology is a methodological approach, not a subject, encompassing various psychology fields.
It utilizes scientific methods to study the mind and behavior.
Experimental psychologists work in diverse settings, including colleges, universities, research centers, government, and private businesses.
Traditional research focuses on neuroscience, developmental psychology, sensation, perception, attention, consciousness, learning, memory, thinking, and language.
Some psychologists also work in business settings.

History of Experimental Psychology

1874: Wilhelm Wundt published the first experimental psychology textbook, Principles of Physiological Psychology.
1875: William James established a psychology lab in the US.
1879: The first experimental psychology lab was founded in Leipzig, Germany.
1883: G. Stanley Hall established the first US experimental psychology lab at John Hopkins University.
1885: Herman Ebbinghaus published his work on memory, On Memory.
1887: George Truball Ladd published his textbook, Elements of Physiological Psychology. James McKeen Cattell established the world's third experimental psychology lab at University of Pennsylvania.
1890: William James published The Principles of Psychology.
1891: Mary Whiton Calkins established an experimental psychology lab at Wellesley College.
1893: G. Stanley Hall established the American Psychological Association.
1920: John B. Watson and Rosalie Raynor conducted the "Little Albert" experiment.
1929: Edwin Boring published A History of Experimental Psychology.
1955: Lee Chronbach introduced the concept of construct validity in psychological testing.
1958: Harry Harlow published The Nature of Love.
1961: Albert Bandura conducted the Bobo doll experiment.

Key Figures in Experimental Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt: Founder of the first experimental psychology lab.
William James: Significant work on the principles of psychology.
Hermann Ebbinghaus: Pioneers in memory research.
Edward Titchener: Prominent early experimental psychologist.
G. Stanley Hall: Founder of the American Psychological Association.
Mary Whiton Calkins: Formed an experimental psychology lab.
John B. Watson: Key figure in behaviorism.
Rosalie Raynor: Collaborated with Watson on the Little Albert experiment.
Edwin Boring: Author of a major history of experimental psychology.
Lee Cronbach: Introduced the concept of construct validity.
Harry Harlow: Researched the nature of love.
Albert Bandura: Conducted the Bobo doll experiment.
Oswald Külpe: Founder of the Würzburg School; emphasized on mental sets and imageless thought.

Methods Used in Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychologists employ various research methods and tools.
Essential components of a psychology experiment: randomly assigning participants, operationally defining variables, developing a hypothesis, manipulating independent variables, and measuring dependent variables.

Scientific Method

The scientific method involves a systematic approach to investigation.
It's critical for acquiring and refining knowledge.
Key elements include characterization, hypotheses, predictions, and experiments.
A process for testing and communicating scientific results.

Scientific Method Example (Toasting)

Observation: The toaster won't toast bread.
Question: Why won't my toaster toast?
Hypothesis: Maybe the outlet is broken.
Prediction: If I plug the toaster into a different outlet, then it will toast the bread.
Test: Plug the toaster into another outlet.
Results: (Either the toaster works or does not)

Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism is the reuse of substantial portions of your own work without proper citation or acknowledgement.

Characteristics of Modern Science

Modern science focuses on observability, using the five senses or instruments.
It contrasts with medieval science that emphasized theology and metaphysics.

Mathematics in Modern Science

Modern science places a strong emphasis on mathematics, moving beyond philosophy and using symbolic approaches.

American Psychological Association (APA)

The APA is a significant professional organization for psychologists in the United States.
Plagiarism in this field involves the misuse or incorrect referencing of other's work.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts and historical milestones of experimental psychology. This quiz covers significant figures, methods, and the evolution of this vital field in psychology. Gain insights into how experimental psychology shapes our understanding of the mind and behavior.