Psychology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of Psychology?

The analysis of language and communication

The study of chemical reactions in the brain

The study of social interactions

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes (correct)

What does Description in psychology involve?

Observing behavior and noting everything about it

What is a theory?

A general explanation of a set of observations or facts

What does prediction refer to in psychology?

Determining what will happen in the future Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by control in psychology?

The modification of some behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is objective introspection?

The process of objectively examining and measuring one's own thoughts and mental activities Signup and view all the answers

What is Structuralism focused on?

Structure of the mind Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with Functionalism?

William James Signup and view all the answers

What does Gestalt Psychology focus on?

Perception and sensation, particularly the perception of patterns and whole figures Signup and view all the answers

What is Psychoanalysis based on?

The work of Freud Signup and view all the answers

What is Behaviorism focused on?

Observable behavior only Signup and view all the answers

What does the Psychodynamic perspective focus on?

Development of a sense of self and motivations behind behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does the Cognitive perspective focus on?

Memory, intelligence, perception, problem solving, and learning Signup and view all the answers

What is Cognitive Neuroscience?

The study of the physical changes in the brain and nervous system during thinking Signup and view all the answers

What does the Sociocultural perspective focus on?

The relationship between social behavior and culture Signup and view all the answers

What does the Biopsychological perspective attribute behavior to?

Biological events occurring in the body Signup and view all the answers

What does the Evolutionary perspective focus on?

Biological bases of universal mental characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a psychiatrist?

A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is a psychoanalyst?

A psychiatrist or psychologist with special training in Freud's theories Signup and view all the answers

What does a psychiatric social worker focus on?

Environmental conditions impacting mental disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is a psychologist?

A professional with an academic degree and specialized training in psychology Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific method?

A system of gathering data to reduce bias and error in measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A tentative explanation of a phenomenon based on observations Signup and view all the answers

What does replicate mean in research?

Repeating a study to see if the same results occur Signup and view all the answers

What is the observer effect?

The tendency of people or animals to behave differently when they know they are being observed Signup and view all the answers

What is participant observation?

A naturalistic observation where the observer becomes a participant Signup and view all the answers

What is observer bias?

The tendency of observers to see what they expect to see Signup and view all the answers

What is a case study?

A study of one individual in great detail Signup and view all the answers

What is a representative sample?

A randomly selected sample from a larger population Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by population in research?

The entire group of people or animals the researcher is interested in Signup and view all the answers

What does correlation measure?

The relationship between two variables Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology Overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, encompassing overt actions and covert internal activities like thinking and feeling.

Research Methodology

Description involves thorough observation and noting of behavior.
The scientific method is crucial for reducing bias and error in data collection.
A hypothesis is a tentative explanation based on observations and is testable.

Key Perspectives in Psychology

Structuralism: Focuses on the structure of the mind; associated with Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener.
Functionalism: Associated with William James; studies how the mind adapts to different environments.
Gestalt Psychology: Concentrates on perception and sensation, especially the perception of patterns and whole figures.
Psychoanalysis: Based on Freud's theories, centering on unconscious motivations and the role of childhood experiences.
Behaviorism: Examines observable behavior only, disregarding mental processes.
Psychodynamic Perspective: Modern psychoanalysis focusing on self-development and motivation beyond sexual factors.
Cognitive Perspective: Investigates mental processes including memory, problem-solving, and learning.
Cognitive Neuroscience: Studies the brain's physical changes related to mental activity.
Sociocultural Perspective: Explores how social behavior is influenced by cultural contexts.
Biopsychological Perspective: Attributes behavior to biological factors like genetics and neurological activity.
Evolutionary Perspective: Focuses on biological bases for universal mental characteristics among humans.

Professional Roles in Psychology

Psychiatrist: Medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders.
Psychoanalyst: Psychiatrists or psychologists trained in Freud's methods.
Psychiatric Social Worker: Social workers with therapeutic training addressing environmental influences on mental disorders.
Psychologist: Professionals with academic degrees specializing in various fields of psychology.

Research Concepts

Correlation measures the relationship between two variables.
The observer effect refers to changes in behavior when individuals know they are being observed.
Participant observation involves the observer becoming part of the group being studied.
Observer bias can skew results as it reflects the observer's expectations.
Case studies allow for in-depth analysis of a single individual.
A representative sample ensures random selection from a larger population for reliability in research.
Replication validates research findings by repeating studies to achieve similar results.

Important Terminology

Control involves modifying behaviors in research.
Objective introspection entails self-examination of thoughts and mental activities.
Descriptive research focuses on detailing observed behaviors without manipulation.

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Description

Test your understanding of core concepts in Psychology with these flashcards covering Chapter 1. Each card focuses on key terms and definitions that are fundamental to the study of behavior and mental processes. Perfect for quick reviews and studying.