Psychology: Cognitive Biases and Scientific Method

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What was Wilhelm Wundt's contribution to the scientific study of psychology?

Founded the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879, dedicated to the scientific study of immediate conscious experience of sensation using careful methodology and introspection.

What was the focus of the School of Structuralism in psychology?

The structure of the mind and identification of the basic elements of consciousness (sensations, feelings, and images) using trained introspection.

What was Edward Titchener's contribution to psychology?

Analyzed consciousness into its basic elements and investigated how elements were related (structuralism) using introspection.

What was G. Stanley Hall's contribution to psychology?

Set up a laboratory at Johns Hopkins University employing introspection, helped found the American Psychological Association, and focused on child development and evolutionary theory.

What was William James' criticism of the structuralists?

He thought they were asking the wrong questions and were more interested in the function or purpose of behavioral acts.

What was Wilhelm Wundt's requirement for the validation of experimental results?

That results of experiments be replicated.

What was the primary focus of the structuralist approach in psychology, and what method did they use to study the mind?

The primary focus of the structuralist approach was to identify the structures of the human mind and to identify the basic elements of consciousness. They used introspection as a method, where individuals would report their own feelings and experiences during an experiment.

Who is credited with establishing the school of psychoanalysis, and what did he believe influenced behavior?

Sigmund Freud is credited with establishing the school of psychoanalysis. He believed that unconscious thoughts, internal conflicts, and early childhood experiences influence behavior.

What was the focus of Ivan Pavlov's research, and what did it lead to?

Ivan Pavlov's research focused on the study of learning, and it led to the discovery of classical conditioning.

Who established the psychological school of behaviorism, and what was its focus?

John B. Watson established the psychological school of behaviorism, which focused on observable behavior and rejected the study of consciousness and the unconscious mind.

What was the focus of B.F. Skinner's research, and what methods did he use?

B.F. Skinner's research focused on behavior, and he used operant conditioning, which involves the use of punishment and reinforcement to modify behavior.

Who were the leaders of the humanistic approach in psychology, and what did they focus on?

Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow were the leaders of the humanistic approach in psychology, which focused on human dignity, self-actualization, and personal growth.

What is the primary feature of a good scientific theory?

A good scientific theory should be falsifiable, meaning it can be proven wrong through experimentation and observation.

What is the purpose of peer review in the scientific process?

The purpose of peer review is to subject a theory to rigorous testing and scrutiny by experts in the same field to establish credibility.

What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

A theory is a general, tested, and widely accepted model that explains and predicts behaviors or events, while a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction based on a theory.

How can our theories influence our observations?

Our theories can bias our observations, leading us to see patterns or meaning that may not be there.

What is an example of a cognitive bias that can affect scientific research?

Overconfidence, or the tendency to think we know more than we do, is an example of a cognitive bias that can affect scientific research.

What is the significance of testing hypotheses in scientific research?

Testing hypotheses allows researchers to determine whether their predictions are supported by evidence, and to refine or reject their theories accordingly.

Test your understanding of cognitive biases, such as overconfidence and perceiving order in random events, and the principles of the scientific method, including the concept of a theory. Learn how to think critically and avoid common pitfalls in human thinking.

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