19 Questions
What is the advantage of experimental research?
It allows researchers to draw conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships
In experimental research, what is the independent variable?
The variable manipulated to test its effects on other dependent variables
What can confound the results of experimental research?
Unexpected and uncontrolled variables
What does the enduring issue of nature-nurture in psychology refer to?
The debate about whether our behavior is influenced more by genetics or by environmental factors
How does the scientific method contribute to the study of psychology?
By relying on collecting data, generating theory, and testing hypotheses
What does a theory in psychology allow us to do?
Systematically explain phenomena, organize known facts, and predict new facts
Which element characterizes psychology as a science?
Generating testable hypotheses based on theories
What did B.F. Skinner view the mind as?
An irrelevant black box
What did the cognitive revolution study?
Mental processes
What does Gestalt psychology study?
How we perceive objects as whole patterns
What does humanistic psychology emphasize?
Realizing full human potential
What does evolutionary psychology study?
The adaptive value of behaviors and mental processes
What is the focus of positive psychology?
Positive attitude
What do contemporary psychologists generally agree about different perspectives?
They are complimentary
What is the focus of gender stereotypes?
Limited view of people based on gender
What is the focus of feminist psychology?
Psychology of women
What does sexual orientation refer to?
The gender to which one is sexually attracted.
What is the advantage of naturalistic observation in research methods?
It yields detailed descriptive information.
What is a disadvantage of surveys in research methods?
Poorly constructed questions can result in ambiguous answers.
Study Notes
Experimental Research
- Experimental research allows for cause-and-effect relationships to be established between variables.
- The independent variable is the variable that is intentionally changed or manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
Limitations of Experimental Research
- Confounding variables can confound the results of experimental research, making it difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Nature-Nurture Debate
- The enduring issue of nature-nurture in psychology refers to the debate about the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to human behavior and development.
Scientific Method
- The scientific method contributes to the study of psychology by providing a systematic and objective approach to testing hypotheses and theories.
Theories in Psychology
- A theory in psychology allows us to explain, predict, and understand phenomena, as well as to make informed decisions and interventions.
Characteristics of Psychology as a Science
- The element that characterizes psychology as a science is its reliance on empirical evidence and the scientific method.
B.F. Skinner's View
- B.F. Skinner viewed the mind as a "black box" whose internal workings were inaccessible, and focused on observable behavior instead.
Cognitive Revolution
- The cognitive revolution studied the mental processes that underlie human behavior, including perception, attention, memory, and language.
Gestalt Psychology
- Gestalt psychology studies the organization of sensory information into meaningful patterns and wholes.
Humanistic Psychology
- Humanistic psychology emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of individuals, and focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and subjective experience.
Evolutionary Psychology
- Evolutionary psychology studies the evolutionary origins of human behavior and the adaptive functions of psychological traits.
Positive Psychology
- The focus of positive psychology is on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and virtues, with the goal of promoting psychological well-being.
Perspectives in Psychology
- Contemporary psychologists generally agree that different perspectives (e.g., biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic) offer complementary insights into human behavior and psychology.
Gender Stereotypes
- The focus of gender stereotypes is on the social and cultural expectations associated with masculinity and femininity.
Feminist Psychology
- Feminist psychology emphasizes the study of gender and its impact on human behavior, with a focus on promoting social justice and equality.
Sexual Orientation
- Sexual orientation refers to an individual's romantic, emotional, and sexual attraction to others.
Research Methods
- The advantage of naturalistic observation is that it allows researchers to study behavior in natural, real-world settings.
- A disadvantage of surveys is that they rely on self-report data, which may be biased or inaccurate.
Explore the enduring issues of nature versus nurture and stability versus change in psychology. Delve into the debate of whether our traits are determined by genetics or experiences, and whether our characteristics remain constant or evolve over time.
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