Psychology Overview and Self-Concept

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'psychology' stem from?

The study of the brain

The study of human behavior and mental processes (correct)

The study of social interactions

The study of animals and their behavior

Who is considered the Father of Modern Psychology?

Wilhelm Wundt (correct)

Sigmund Freud

Wilhelm James

Carl Rogers

According to William James, what does the 'I' represent in the Theory of Self?

The physical attributes of a person

The social roles that one plays

The aspect that organizes and interprets experiences (correct)

The part of self that is perceived by others

What element of self is referred to as the 'Material Self'?

The physical body and owned materials Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Social Self' encompass?

The attributes ascribed by others Signup and view all the answers

What did Sigmund Freud identify as a primary motivator of human behavior?

The unconscious mind Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the 'Pure Ego' according to William James?

The mind providing a sense of continuity Signup and view all the answers

How does Freud define a healthy individual in terms of personality structures?

A person with a larger ego structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the ID in personality theory?

Pleasure and impulse Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of psychosexual development involves the conflict of toilet training?

Anal Stage Signup and view all the answers

At what age does the Latent Stage of psychosexual development occur?

6-12 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a fixation associated with the Oral Stage?

Smoking and excessive drinking Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development?

Trust vs. mistrust Signup and view all the answers

What psychological conflict is associated with the Phallic Stage of psychosexual development?

Oedipus and Electra Complex Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the Superego primarily represent in personality structure?

Morality Signup and view all the answers

Which age range corresponds with Erikson's stage of 'autonomy vs shame and doubt'?

1-3 years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology Overview

Derived from Latin roots "psyche" meaning soul and "logos" meaning study; defined as the study of human behavior and mental processes.
Modern Psychology emerged in 1879 with Wilhelm Wundt establishing the first experimental laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, marking it as a scientific discipline.
Focuses on interactions between body and mind, considering both physical and mental aspects of human experience.

Wilhelm James and Self-Concept

An American philosopher and psychologist recognized for his Theory of Self.
Distinguishes between two aspects of self:
- I: Subjective, active perceiver; responsible for organizing and interpreting experiences.
- Me: Objective; the perceived part of self, subject to others' perceptions.

Four Elements of Self (Me)

Material Self: Encompasses the physical attributes and possessions; includes body features and personal belongings.
Social Self: Attributes ascribed by others; varies based on social interactions.
Spiritual Self: Internal thoughts and values; subjective elements reflecting personality and conscience.
Pure Ego: Connects past, present, and future self; acts like continuity of mind.

Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalysis

Considered the Father of Psychoanalysis, posited that unconscious drives govern behavior.
Defined personality structure with an emphasis on rationality:
- ID: Impulsive, pleasure-driven; operates on the pleasure principle.
- Superego: Moral aspect of personality; enforces ethical behavior.
- Ego: Mediates between ID and Superego; operates on reality principle.

Psychosexual Development Stages

Oral Stage (0-1 year): Focus on mouth; potential fixation leads to thumb sucking or drinking.
Anal Stage (2-3 years): Focus on bowel control; conflicts with toilet training; fixation can lead to anal-retentive or anal-expulsive behaviors.
Phallic Stage (3-5 years): Focus on genitals; leads to Oedipus and Electra complexes; fixation relates to dependency and gender identity confusion.
Latent Stage (6-12 years): Dormant sexual feelings; development of defense mechanisms; immaturity is possible but less common.
Genital Stage (13+ years): Onset of puberty; focuses on sexual desires and mature relationships.

Defense Mechanisms

Developed to cope with conflicts arising from psychosexual development; serve as psychological strategies to protect individual from anxiety.

Erik Erikson and Psychosocial Development

Focuses on the influence of family and culture across eight stages of development, emphasizing critical psychosocial crises.
Stages include:
- Infancy (Trust vs. Mistrust): Trust developed through parental care; fundamental to later relationships.
- Early Childhood (Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt): Facilitates independence; autonomy encouraged through choices; inadequacy leads to shame.
- Preschool (Initiative vs. Guilt): Ability to initiate activities and assert control; guilt emerges if initiative is suppressed.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of psychology, including its definition and origins. It also explores Wilhelm James's theory of self, highlighting the two aspects: I and Me, along with the elements that make up the self-concept.