Questions and Answers
What was John B. Watson's main contribution to psychology?
In the Little Albert experiment, what type of conditioning was demonstrated?
Which perspective examines the role of natural selection in shaping behavior?
What does operant conditioning emphasize?
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Biological psychology focuses primarily on which of the following?
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Which of the following is an example of a cognitive bias?
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What is a key difference between biological psychology and evolutionary psychology?
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Which of the following concepts is NOT aligned with the cognitive perspective?
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What is the primary focus of psychology as a social science?
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Which figure is known as the father of experimental psychology?
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What method did Wilhelm Wundt use to study consciousness?
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In which area did William James primarily contribute?
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Sigmund Freud's theory emphasizes which aspect of the mind?
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What significant contribution did William James make to psychology?
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What does the term 'stream of consciousness' refer to?
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Which of the following best describes psychoanalysis?
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Study Notes
Psychology Overview
- Definition: Psychology studies the mind and behavior, focusing on individual and social contexts.
- Scientific Method: Psychology employs empirical research and experimentation, aiming to uncover principles governing psychological phenomena.
- Social Science: It examines behavior and emotions within societal and interpersonal interactions, highlighting cultural and environmental influences.
Historical Figures in Psychology
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Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
- Founded the first experimental psychology laboratory in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany.
- Pioneered introspection for studying consciousness elements.
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William James (1842-1910)
- Key figure of functionalism, focusing on the purpose of mental processes.
- Introduced "stream of consciousness," emphasizing its adaptive functions.
- Authored the influential textbook "Principles of Psychology."
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Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
- Developed psychoanalysis, emphasizing the unconscious mind's role.
- Argued that unresolved conflicts in the unconscious lead to psychological issues.
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John B. Watson (1878-1958)
- Pioneered behaviorism, focusing on observable behavior rather than mental processes.
- Conducted the Little Albert experiment, illustrating conditioned fear.
- Advocated that environmental factors primarily shape behavior (nurture).
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B.F. Skinner (1904-1990)
- Developed operant conditioning theory, emphasizing behavior shaped by consequences.
- His work influenced behavior modification techniques for changing unwanted behaviors.
Perspectives in Psychology
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Biological Psychology
- Focuses on physiological bases of behavior, studying the nervous system, genetics, hormones, and neurotransmitters.
- Methods include brain studies and genetic research.
- Examples: Influence of neurotransmitters on mood, genetics in mental disorders, and hormones in behaviors.
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Evolutionary Psychology
- Examines behaviors influenced by evolutionary processes, focusing on natural selection and adaptation.
- Methods involve comparative studies and analyzing behavior's adaptive functions.
- Examples: Adaptive fear responses, mate selection preferences, and cooperation in evolution.
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Cognitive Perspective
- Analyzes internal mental processes like thinking, memory, and decision-making.
- Treats the mind as an information processor, using concepts like schemas (knowledge organization) and cognitive biases (systematic thinking errors).
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of psychology as a science. This quiz covers the definitions of psychology, its systematic methods, and its significance as a social science. Test your understanding of how empirical research shapes our knowledge of behavior and mental processes.
