Psychology Chapter 1 Flashcards

Psychology Foundations

• Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920): First psychologist and established the first laboratory for psychological research; published "Principles of Physiological Psychology" in 1873.
• Empirical method: Knowledge acquisition based on observation and experimentation.
• "Psyche" translates to "soul"; psychology means the scientific study of the mind.
• Introspection: Self-examination of conscious experience, aiming for objective reporting.

Key Psychological Theories

• Structuralism: Focuses on understanding the mind’s structure and characteristics.
• Functionalism: Emphasizes mental activities' role in helping organisms adapt to their environment.

Influential Psychologists

• William James (1842-1910): First American psychologist advocating a functionalist perspective.
• Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Austrian neurologist studying hysteria; theorized the unconscious mind's impact on behavior.
• Hysteria: Historically referred to diverse symptoms, mainly in women, without a known physical cause.
• Drew Westen (1998): Critiqued the criticisms of Freud, emphasizing his later works.

Gestalt Psychology

• Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, Wolfgang Köhler: Pioneers of Gestalt psychology in the U.S.; introduced principles focusing on viewing experiences as wholes rather than isolated parts.

Behaviorism

• Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936): Researched conditioned reflexes; known for the salivation response in dogs (Pavlov's dog).
• John B. Watson (1878-1958): Promoted behaviorism's focus on observable behavior; rejected the study of consciousness.
• B.F. Skinner (1904-1990): Studied behavior consequences, establishing concepts of reinforcement and punishment.

Contemporary Psychological Perspectives

• Humanism: Highlights the innate potential for good in humans; Abraham Maslow introduced a hierarchy of needs.
• Carl Rogers: Emphasized therapist characteristics—unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy—for effective therapy.

Branches of Psychology

• Clinical psychology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders.
• Cognitive psychology: Studies thoughts (cognitions) and their relationship to behavior.
• Counseling psychology: Aims to enhance emotional and social aspects of well-adjusted individuals.
• Developmental psychology: Investigates human development across the lifespan.
• Forensic psychology: Applies psychological science to the justice system.

Research and Training

• Dissertation: A comprehensive research paper required for doctoral candidates.
• Postdoctoral training: Allows early-career scientists to further develop research skills under mentorship.
• PhD vs. PsyD: PhD emphasizes research; PsyD focuses on clinical applications.

Specialized Fields

• Sports and exercise psychology: Examines the link between mental processes and physical performance.
• Educational psychology: Researches teaching and learning processes; assists in curriculum development and diagnosing learning issues.
• Social psychology: Explores individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors within various social contexts.
• Industrial/Organizational psychology: Studies workplace dynamics and suggests improvements for productivity and employee well-being.

Psychological Perspectives

• Sociocultural: Investigates social and cultural influences on behavior.
• Psychodynamic: Focuses on unconscious motivations and childhood experiences affecting behavior.

Contributions of Female Psychologists

• Margaret Washburn (1871-1939): First American woman to earn a PhD in psychology under Titchener’s mentorship.
• Edward Titchener (1867-1927): Wundt’s student who introduced structuralism to America; welcomed women into his programs.

Historical Sequence

• Early theorists: The timeline includes Wilhelm Wundt, followed by Sigmund Freud, and later Noam Chomsky, reflecting the evolution of psychological thought.

Concepts in Psychology

• Scientific theory: A well-supported explanation for natural phenomena.
• Personality traits: Consistent patterns of thoughts and behaviors; conscientiousness refers to being hardworking and organized.
• Psychoanalytic theory: Emphasizes unconscious influences on conscious behavior; Freud is recognized as its founder.

Overall

• Psychology is a diverse field, highlighting the interplay between various factors influencing human behavior, from biological to social contexts.

Test your knowledge on the foundational concepts introduced in Chapter 1 of psychology. This quiz focuses on key figures like Wilhelm Wundt and the methods of psychological research. Ideal for students looking to solidify their understanding of early psychology.