Psychology Overview and Scientific Approach

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'mental processes' encompass?

Social interactions and relationships

Organisms' physiological functions

Cultural influences on behavior

Inner experiences like perceptions and thoughts (correct)

What is a key distinction between science and faith?

Science is based on logical proof, while faith is not. (correct)

Science only accepts beliefs without any evidence.

Faith requires systematic observation, but science does not.

Both rely on personal beliefs and opinions.

Why was psychology not considered a science before the 19th century?

It focused solely on cultural studies.

It lacked systematic observation methods. (correct)

Theories were not based on experimental data.

There was too much reliance on personal beliefs.

Which goal of psychology involves understanding how and why organisms behave?

Explanation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines objectivity in science?

Conclusions based on facts without emotional influence Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'systematic observation' imply in scientific research?

A structured approach to gathering evidence Signup and view all the answers

What does the first goal of psychology focus on?

Describing various behaviors of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes scientific knowledge from general knowledge?

Scientific knowledge is based on verifiable evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What do cognitive psychologists argue is essential for understanding behaviour?

Mental processes are critical to understanding behaviour. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the concept of determinism in psychology?

All actions are caused by prior events or conditions. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of individual differences vs universal principles, which perspective tends to focus on unique individual qualities?

Humanistic perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of research in psychology?

To systematically enquire and discover new knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key struggle between psychologists regarding abnormal behaviour?

Whether such behaviour reflects personal choices or external forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the behavioral perspective in psychology?

It prioritizes observable behavior as the source of information. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about psychological theories and research is accurate?

Research is crucial to validating and understanding theories. Signup and view all the answers

How do psychologists relying on biological perspectives generally approach behaviour?

By seeking universal principles of behaviour. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jean-Jacques Rousseau believe about human development?

It follows a discontinuous, stage-wise process. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychologist was the first to systematically investigate the role of nature in behavior?

Arnold Gesell Signup and view all the answers

According to Gesell, what primarily determines the development of motor skills in children?

Heredity Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective would a developmental psychologist focus on to understand the impact of environment on behavior?

Behavioral perspective Signup and view all the answers

What do both heredity and environment contribute to according to Kalat?

Development in general Signup and view all the answers

What is the major controversy addressed in psychology concerning behavior?

Conscious vs. unconscious causes Signup and view all the answers

According to clinical psychologists with psychodynamic perspectives, what motivates much of abnormal behavior?

Unconscious factors Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective would suggest that faulty thinking processes lead to abnormal behavior?

Cognitive perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary roles of educational and school psychologists?

Assess and enhance learning Signup and view all the answers

Which area of psychology specifically explores changes from birth through old age?

Developmental psychology Signup and view all the answers

How do educational psychologists contribute to teacher training?

By developing programs to improve teaching practices Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant focus of forensic psychology?

Addressing psychological aspects of the legal process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following may forensic psychologists assist with?

Making recommendations for jury selection Signup and view all the answers

What role do developmental psychologists play in legal contexts?

Understanding memory functions across ages Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of learning do educational psychologists focus on when working with teachers?

Factors affecting teaching and learning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor that developmental psychology examines?

Changes in behavior and mental processes over time Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

A variable that is measured to determine the effect of the independent variable Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'determinism' imply in psychology?

Everything that happens has a cause or determinant Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of psychology focuses on changes in human behavior across the lifespan?

Developmental psychology Signup and view all the answers

In experimental research, what does 'experimental manipulation' refer to?

Changes deliberately produced by the researcher in a situation Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of explanation in psychology?

To find a cause for a particular behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which field of psychology addresses the psychological aspects of the legal process?

Forensic psychology Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'functionalism' refer to in psychology?

The study of mental processes and their purposes in adaptation Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological perspective emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment?

Humanism Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mental Processes

Mental processes are our private inner experiences, like thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and memories.

Defining Science

Science is a method for learning about reality through systematic observation and experimentation.
Science requires proof and evidence.
Psychology as a science is based on careful research and factual statements.

Understanding Psychology

Psychology aims to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior.
The 19th century marked the transition of psychology into a scientific field.
Science relies on objectivity, meaning conclusions are fact-based and free from personal biases.
Psychological perspectives, such as biological, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic, influence how psychologists approach research and interpret findings.
Heredity and environment both play a key role in human development.

Psychology's Goals

Description: Aims to document and define behavior.
Explanation: Seeks to understand the causes and underlying mechanisms of behavior.
Prediction: Aims to forecast future behavior based on available data.
Control: Focuses on influencing and changing behavior.

Ongoing Debates in Psychology

Conscious vs. Unconscious Causes of Behavior: How much of our behavior is conscious and how much is driven by unconscious factors?
Observable Behavior vs Internal Mental Processes: Should psychology focus only on observable behavior or also consider internal mental processes?
Free Will vs Determinism: How much control do we have over our behavior, or is it predetermined?
Individual Differences vs Universal Principles: How much of our behavior is shaped by our unique qualities and how much is influenced by universal principles?

Types of Psychological Research

Educational and School Psychology: Focuses on teaching and learning processes.
Developmental Psychology: Explores changes in human behavior across the lifespan.
Forensic Psychology: Applies psychological principles to legal processes and criminal investigations.

Key Terms

Dependent Variable: Measured in an experiment to see the effect of the independent variable.
Determinism: The idea that every event has a cause.
Experimental Research: Deliberately manipulating an independent variable to observe its effects on a dependent variable.
Experimental Group: Receives a specific treatment in an experiment.
Experimental Manipulation: The deliberate changes the researcher makes in an experiment.
Explanation: Aims to understand the causes of behavior.
Free Will: The ability to make choices freely.
Functionalism: The study of mental processes and their adaptations to the environment.
Gestalt Psychology: Focuses on the perception of wholes rather than individual parts.
Health Psychology: Investigates the relationship between psychological factors and health.
Humanism: Emphasizes personal growth, freedom, and self-fulfillment.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts related to mental processes and the scientific nature of psychology. It highlights the evolution of psychology into a recognized science and discusses various psychological perspectives. Test your knowledge on the goals of psychology and its foundational research methods.