Psychology Overview and History

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best encompasses the definition of psychology?

  • Understanding how the brain functions biologically
  • The scientific study of the mind and behavior (correct)
  • The study of the soul and spirit
  • Why people do what they do

Psychology emerged as a formal scientific discipline in ancient times.

False (B)

What significant contribution did ancient Egyptian doctors make to the early understanding of the brain and its functions?

linking traumatic brain injuries to behavioral changes

Ancient Greek philosophers contemplated the origins of knowledge, exploring the balance between ______ vs. nurture.

<p>nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following historical figures with their contribution to psychology:

<p>Wilhelm Wundt = Opened the first experimental psychology lab Ancient Egyptian doctors = Linked brain injuries to behavioral changes Ancient Greek philosophers = Contemplated the origins of knowledge</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the personality classification developed by Hippocrates, what is the primary factor influencing mental well-being?

<p>The balance of bodily fluids. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phrenology is the study of how behaviors are shaped by natural selection.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the concept of 'survival of the fittest' relates to the influence of evolution on psychology.

<p>Behaviors are shaped or molded by natural selection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the empiricist perspective, knowledge is built upon experiences because humans are born with ______.

<p>blank slates</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the historical figure with their associated philosophical or scientific perspective:

<p>Plato = Naturist Aristotle = empiricist Charles Darwin = Evolution by natural selection Hippocrates = bodily fluids determine personality</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary limitation of structuralism?

<p>The subjective nature of experience makes it difficult to access subconscious aspects of cognition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Functionalism focuses primarily on understanding the structure of the mind rather than its purpose and function.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Darwin's Theory of Evolution influence the development of functionalism?

<p>It shaped the belief that mental processes have a purpose, aiding adaptation and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to structuralism, behaviorism focuses on the study of ______ behavior.

<p>observable</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the school of thought with its central focus:

<p>Structuralism = Understanding the basic elements of consciousness through introspection. Functionalism = Investigating the purpose and function of behaviors and mental processes. Behaviorism = Studying observable behavior and how it is shaped by experience. Psychoanalytic = Exploring the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phineas Gage's case study is significant to the history of psychology because it demonstrated:

<p>That brain injuries can result in changes in behavior and personality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wilhelm Wundt is primarily known for advocating the functionalist perspective in Psychology.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main method used by structuralists to study conscious experience?

<p>introspection</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ attempted to analyze conscious experience by breaking it down into basic elements, much like the periodic table.

<p>structuralism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following schools of thought with their main focus:

<p>Structuralism = Breaking down conscious experience into basic elements. Behaviorism = Focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states. Cognitive Psychology = Examines mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, and language. Psychoanalytic = Emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives and early childhood experiences on behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research directly focuses on applying findings from basic research to improve real-world settings, such as educational practices?

<p>Applied Research (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Basic research primarily aims to solve immediate practical problems rather than exploring fundamental aspects of behavior and cognition.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of translational research in psychology?

<p>To translate scientific findings into practical applications that impact people's lives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Research that asks questions about cognition and behavior is known as ______ research.

<p>basic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research types with their primary focus:

<p>Basic Research = Understanding fundamental principles of behavior Applied Research = Solving practical problems Translational Research = Bridging the gap between research and public impact</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes on behavior and personality?

<p>Psychoanalytic Perspective (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Behaviorism studies the internal mental processes directly without focusing on observable behavior.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which field of psychology compares individual and group behaviors across different societies?

<p>Cross-cultural psychology</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'WEIRD' in cross-cultural psychology refers to populations that are Western, Educated, ______, Rich, and Democratic.

<p>Industrialized</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of cognitive psychology?

<p>Mental processes like memory and problem-solving (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following psychological perspectives would be most interested in studying the impact of different parenting styles on child development across various countries?

<p>Cross-cultural psychology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, the vast majority of psychology research is conducted on WEIRD populations.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which historical approach sought to understand the structure of the mind by breaking it down into its elementary parts?

<p>Structuralism</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the main goal of cross-cultural psychology?

<p>To understand how culture affects psychological processes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each school of thought with its primary focus:

<p>Behaviorism = Observable actions and responses Cognitive Psychology = Mental processes (memory, problem-solving) Psychoanalytic Perspective = Unconscious drives and early experiences Cross-Cultural Psychology = Cultural influences on behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nurture

Nurture refers to the environmental factors and experiences that shape knowledge and behavior after birth.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate concerning whether behavior is determined by genetics (nature) or environment (nurture).

Hippocrates and personality classification

Hippocrates developed the first classification of personality based on bodily fluids and balance.

Influence of Evolution

Evolution by natural selection influences behaviors, exemplified by attachment in children to caregivers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phrenology

Study of skull shape to determine personality traits and brain function localization.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Historical Roots of Psychology

Psychology has ancient origins but became a science in the 19th century.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Wilhelm Wundt

The founder of modern psychology, opened the first experimental lab in 1879.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychology in Ancient Civilizations

Ancient Egyptians and Greeks studied the mind, linking behavior with physical states.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phineas Gage

A railroad worker who survived a severe brain injury that changed his behavior, providing insight into brain function and personality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Structuralism

A school of thought that analyzes conscious experience by breaking it down into basic elements, like a periodic table for the mind.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Introspection

The subjective observation of one's own experiences; used in structuralism to analyze conscious thoughts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Schools of Thought in Psychology

Various approaches to psychology including Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, and others, defining different methods of understanding the mind.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Functionalism

A psychological theory studying the purpose of behaviors and mental processes, influenced by Darwin.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective that examines only observable behaviors, dismissing subjective experiences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Limitations of Structuralism

Experience is subjective, making it hard to access subconscious elements.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Darwin's Influence on Psychology

Functionalism draws from Darwin's theory of evolution to understand the mind's functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Basic Research

Research aimed at increasing understanding of fundamental principles of behavior and mental processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Applied Research

Research that seeks to answer practical questions and solve real-world issues using findings from basic research.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Translational Research

Research that translates scientific findings into practical applications to improve public health and education.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes like perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory that explores how unconscious processes influence behavior and personality.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cross-Cultural Psychology

A field that examines individual and group behaviors across different cultures.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Structuralism vs. Functionalism

Structuralism focuses on the structure of the mind, while functionalism considers mental processes' functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Elizabeth Loftus

A psychologist known for her work on the malleability of human memory.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Brenda Milner

A neuropsychologist known for her research on memory and the brain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

WEIRD Psychology

Psychology research primarily based on participants from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic societies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sigmund Freud

The founder of psychoanalysis who emphasized the role of unconscious motives in behavior.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cultural Comparisons

The practice of analyzing how different cultures influence behavior and thought processes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Psychology Overview

  • Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
  • Early definitions included "the study of the mind," "why people do what they do," "how the brain functions," and "the study of behavior."
  • Psychology's roots are in the study of the soul, spirit, and mind (psyche) and the study of things (logos).
  • Psychology is a relatively new science, but the study of the mind and behavior dates back to ancient times.

Historical Roots of Psychology

  • Wilhelm Wundt opened the first experimental psychology lab in 1879.
  • Ancient Egyptian doctors linked traumatic brain injuries to behavioral changes.
  • Ancient Greek philosophers contemplated the origins of knowledge. Key figures include Plato and Aristotle, who debated nature versus nurture in shaping knowledge.
  • Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates developed the world's first personality classification, based on bodily fluids (blood, yellow bile, black bile, phlegm).
  • Psychology is influenced by philosophy, physics, evolution, and medicine/physiology.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

History Of Psychology PDF

More Like This

Introduction to History of Psychology
40 questions
Introduction to Psychology: Key Concepts
40 questions
History and Definition of Psychology
10 questions
Psicologia Generale e la sua Storia
30 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser