Psychology: Introduction and Goals

The study of mental processes and behaviors.

Activities of the brain related to thinking, observing, and language. Examples include thinking, imagining, and remembering.

Observable actions of an organism, often in response to the environment.

The four goals of psychology are to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior.

The different levels of focus when studying behavior: brain, person, and group.

Shared beliefs and practices passed down across generations.

Stories of forgotten origin that explain life's mysteries, common across cultures.

Ceremonies related to myths, involving sacred practices and celebrations.

The study of knowledge, reality, and the meaning of life.

The pursuit of knowledge through questioning and critical discussion.

The idea that theories are never absolute and can always be improved.

The belief that diseases have physical causes and are not divine punishments.

Four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) believed to influence personality and well-being.

The belief that knowledge is innate and present from birth.

The balance between intellect, emotion, and desires for a healthy mind.

Using reason to uncover innate knowledge deeply embedded in the human mind.

The idea that all living things on Earth share a common ancestor and have evolved through variations over time.

The process by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.

A German philosopher and physicist considered a founder of experimental psychology. He demonstrated the relationship between physical stimuli and mental experiences, paving the way for psychology as a quantifiable science.

The study of mental processes and behavior using scientific methods.

The first psychology lab, established in 1879, focused on the study of consciousness and personal awareness using scientific methods.

The awareness of one's surroundings and thoughts, a central focus of early psychology.

The study of the biological basis of behavior and mental processes.

The understanding that thoughts and actions are interconnected but distinct processes, not instantaneous responses.

The study of how cultural practices influence psychological tendencies and human behavior.

Examines what is universally true about humans, regardless of their culture.

The study of psychological functions by examining their biological underpinnings.

A scientist who studies the influence of genes on human behavior.

The study of how environmental influences can alter gene expression and change behavior.

The idea that humans are born with a blank slate and are shaped solely by their experiences.

Theories that emphasize the genetically inherent nature of social behavior in humans.

Theorists who believe humans have an innate understanding of how social behavior should be organized.

A professional who has a doctoral degree focusing on psychological assessment, therapy, and research. They typically work in clinics, universities, and private practices.

A professional who has an M.D. and specializes in treating mental disorders with medication and therapy.

A field that studies how specific neural connections in the brain affect cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and learning.

A culture that prioritizes group needs and harmony over individual desires.

A culture that values individual independence and personal goals over group needs.

A field that studies the link between brain activity and social behavior.

Focuses on the application of psychological principles to solve real-world problems in various fields.

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the purpose of mental processes in helping individuals adapt to their environment.

A school of psychology that emphasizes the importance of studying perception as a whole rather than breaking it down into individual elements.

The idea that our minds have an unconscious level where thoughts, feelings, and sensations exist outside of our awareness.

A school of psychology that focuses on the unconscious mind and how it influences behavior and mental processes.

The idea that mental processes such as thoughts, perceptions, and emotions have evolved to help humans survive and adapt to their environment.

William James's view that consciousness is a continuous and ever-changing stream of thoughts and experiences rather than a static set of elements.

An approach that explores the basic building blocks of the mind, seeking to identify the fundamental elements of consciousness.

An approach that focuses on the function or purpose of mental processes, emphasizing how they help us adapt to our environment.