Psychology Chapter 1 Test

Key Figures in Psychology

• Wilhelm Wundt: Known as the father of modern psychology; foundational structuralist.
• William James: Father of American psychology; functionalist focused on the purposes of behavior.
• Sir Francis Galton: Pioneer in the study of genetics; believed genetics influenced personality.
• Sigmund Freud: Established the first comprehensive theory of personality; known as a psychoanalyst.
• Mary Calkins: Studied under William James; first female president of the American Psychological Association; faced rejection from Harvard.
• Ivan Pavlov: Renowned behaviorist; famous for classical conditioning experiments with dogs.
• B.F. Skinner: Behaviorist known for developing the concept of reinforcement in behavioral psychology.
• Abraham Maslow: Creator of the Humanistic approach; developed the hierarchy of needs.
• Jean Piaget: French cognitive psychologist; theorized personality develops through four stages in childhood.
• Max Wertheimer & Kurt Koffka: Founders of Gestalt psychology in Germany, emphasizing holistic perception.

Psychological Approaches

• Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behavior and reinforcement; exemplified by incentives for good performance, like grades in exchange for money.
• Humanistic Psychology: Emphasizes individual potential and self-actualization; behavior influenced by self-perception and desires for acceptance.
• Cognitive Psychology: Addresses mental processes; negative self-talk can lead to depression.
• Psychoanalytic Theory: Views behavior as influenced by unconscious motives and childhood experiences; unresolved conflicts may manifest in interpersonal issues.
• Sociocultural Psychology: Examines behavior through the lens of societal and cultural influences; experiences of discrimination impact personal relationships.
• Biological/Neurobiological Psychology: Explores the physiological basis of behavior; stress and adrenaline influence temper and control.

Types of Psychologists

• Clinical Psychologist: Focuses on diagnosing and treating emotional disturbances.
• Counseling Psychologist: Assists individuals in managing everyday problems and life transitions.
• Developmental Psychologist: Investigates psychological changes across the lifespan.
• Community Psychologist: Engages with mental health initiatives in social welfare settings.
• Industrial Psychologist: Works within organizations to enhance working conditions and productivity.
• Forensic Psychologist: Applies psychological principles in legal contexts and the justice system.
• Environmental Psychologist: Studies the impact of environmental factors on individuals in business and government sectors.

Concepts in Psychology

• Introspection: A method involving self-examination of thoughts and feelings.
• Freud’s Motivations: Behavior is driven by sexual/aggressive impulses, unconscious conflicts, and childhood experiences.
• Purpose of Psychoanalysis: Aims to uncover repressed impulses to foster self-awareness.
• Sociocultural Influences: Behavior is shaped by social norms, ethnicity, and religious factors.
• Free Will: According to behaviorists, true free will does not exist in any context.

True/False Insights

• Many psychology students find counseling and clinical psychology to be the most popular areas.
• Psychology encompasses the study of both animals and humans.
• Gestalt psychology contrasts behaviorism by highlighting that perception involves more than summation of individual parts.
• Medical professionals who address disturbed behaviors are often psychiatrists, not psychologists.
• Experimental psychologists frequently conduct research in university labs.

Application of Psychological Theories

• The case of Judy: Her behavioral decline due to parental divorce can be understood through humanistic views of unmet potential and cognitive interpretations of her situation affecting her performance.
• The case of Sue: Her struggles in an American school demonstrate sociocultural challenges related to ethnicity and language barriers, along with cognitive self-perceptions leading to withdrawal.

Historic Connection

• René Descartes: Credited for being the first philosopher to relate the mind and body, paving the way for dualistic interpretations in psychology.

Test your knowledge of key figures in psychology with this Chapter 1 flashcard quiz. Explore the foundational concepts introduced by pioneers like Wilhelm Wundt, William James, and Sigmund Freud. Perfect for students wanting to grasp the basics of modern psychology.