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Questions and Answers
What was the primary focus of B.F. Skinner's work?
What was the primary focus of B.F. Skinner's work?
What characterized the humanist approach in psychology?
What characterized the humanist approach in psychology?
What significant development occurred in psychology during the 1950s?
What significant development occurred in psychology during the 1950s?
What did the humanist approach emphasize about human nature?
What did the humanist approach emphasize about human nature?
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What aspect of human experience was emphasized by the increased interest in evolution and culture?
What aspect of human experience was emphasized by the increased interest in evolution and culture?
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What is the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?
What is the main focus of psychology as a scientific discipline?
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Who is credited with establishing the first psychological laboratory in 1876?
Who is credited with establishing the first psychological laboratory in 1876?
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What was the main objective of Edward Tichener's structuralism?
What was the main objective of Edward Tichener's structuralism?
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What was the main focus of William James' functionalism?
What was the main focus of William James' functionalism?
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What was the main focus of John B. Watson's behaviorism?
What was the main focus of John B. Watson's behaviorism?
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What is the main idea of Gestalt psychology?
What is the main idea of Gestalt psychology?
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What is the main idea of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis?
What is the main idea of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis?
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What is the name of the approach that focused on the study of observable behavior, developed by B.F. Skinner?
What is the name of the approach that focused on the study of observable behavior, developed by B.F. Skinner?
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Study Notes
Definition of Psychology
- Psychology is the scientific investigation of mental processes (thinking, remembering, feeling), behaviour, and the interaction between them.
- It considers the individual's biology, psychological experience, and cultural context to understand human thought, feeling, and action.
Wilhelm Wundt
- Established the first psychological laboratory in 1876.
- Tried identifying the elements of consciousness through trained introspection.
Structuralism vs. Functionalism
- Structuralism (Edward Tichener): aimed to analyse consciousness into its basic elements and investigate their relationships.
- Functionalism (William James): focused on the function or purpose of consciousness, using objective methods, comparative psychology, and applying findings to practical situations.
Consciousness vs. Behaviour
- Behaviourism (John B. Watson): only observable behaviour should be studied, considering overt responses or activities.
Gestalt Psychology
- Max Wertheimer: psychological phenomena are best viewed as organized, structured wholes rather than component elements, with context influencing interpretation.
Freud and the Unconscious
- Psychoanalysis (Sigmund Freud): the unconscious contains thoughts, memories, and desires that influence behaviour, operating below conscious awareness.
Return to Behaviourism
- Radical Behaviourism (B.F. Skinner): focused on observable behaviour, where organisms repeat responses leading to positive outcomes and avoid those leading to negative outcomes.
Humanism
- Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers: humanists emphasize human freedom, potential for personal growth, and unique human qualities, holding an optimistic view of human nature.
Developments in Psychology
- The 1950s saw a renewed interest in consciousness (cognition) and understanding the biological bases of behaviour.
- This era experienced significant growth in psychology as a profession.
- There was increased interest in the impact of evolution, culture, and social, historical, and evolutionary context on human experience.
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Description
Learn about the scientific study of mental processes, behavior, and their interactions, including the contributions of Wilhelm Wundt, the first psychological laboratory, and the factors that influence human thought and action.
