Psychology: Science of Behavior

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Questions and Answers

Who is considered the father of behaviorism?

B.F. Skinner

Sigmund Freud

Abraham Maslow

John B. Watson (correct)

The psychodynamic perspective emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

True

What are the two main branches of psychological research?

Basic research and applied research

The ______ perspective focuses on how people memorize, process, and use information.

Cognitive perspective is concerned with how individuals acquire, process, and utilize information. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following psychological perspectives with their key figures:

Psychodynamic Perspective = Sigmund Freud Behavioral Perspective = John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner Humanistic Perspective = Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers Cognitive Perspective = Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffa, and Wolfgang Köhler Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Analyzing data Signup and view all the answers

A case study is a research method that focuses on a single individual, group, or event.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a psychiatrist?

To diagnose and prescribe treatment for mental disorders. Signup and view all the answers

The principle of ______ in psychological research ensures participants have full knowledge of the study before agreeing to participate.

informed consent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the ethical guidelines for psychological research involving humans?

Participants are not allowed to withdraw from the study Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the four goals of psychology?

Interpretation Signup and view all the answers

The process of breaking down consciousness into its basic elements is called ______.

structuralism Signup and view all the answers

Wilhelm Wundt's primary method of studying the mind was through objective introspection.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between structuralism and functionalism?

Structuralism focuses on the basic elements of consciousness, while functionalism emphasizes how consciousness helps people adapt to their environment. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following pioneers with their respective contributions:

Wilhelm Wundt = Developed structuralism Edward Titchener = Emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind William James = Used objective introspection Sigmund Freud = Developed functionalism Signup and view all the answers

Which pioneer emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind in shaping behavior?

Sigmund Freud Signup and view all the answers

The goal of ______ in psychology is to change behavior from an undesirable one to a desirable one.

control Signup and view all the answers

William James believed that the scientific study of consciousness was readily possible in his time.

False Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of objective introspection.

Objective introspection refers to the process of carefully observing and analyzing one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a systematic and unbiased manner. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements BEST describes the goal of prediction in psychology?

Forecasting future behavior based on existing knowledge Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology: The Science of Behavior and Mental Processes

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Four main goals of psychology:
- Description: Observing and recording behaviors, noting what, where, when, and how it occurs.
- Explanation: Determining the cause of a behavior.
- Prediction: Forecasting future behaviors.
- Control: Modifying behaviors, moving from undesirable to desirable.

Early Pioneers of Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt: Father of psychology; established objective introspection, a method to examine subjective experiences objectively.
Edward Titchener: Wundt's student; developed structuralism, focusing on breaking down experience into basic elements.
William James: Developed functionalism, studying how the mind functions in everyday life, focusing on mental processes, behaviors, and adaptations.
Sigmund Freud: Austrian neurologist; pioneered the psychodynamic perspective, emphasizing the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and motivations behind behavior.

Schools of Thought

Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behavior, ignoring consciousness. A stimulus-response theory. John B. Watson was a key figure, challenging previous perspectives on consciousness and focusing entirely on observable behavior.
Psychodynamic Perspective: Emphasizes the unconscious mind and how childhood experiences influence adult behavior. (Less on sex, more on self, social, and interpersonal).
Humanistic Perspective: "Third force" in psychology, emphasizing human potential, free will, and self-actualization. Key figures: Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
Cognitive Perspective: Focuses on how people process, store, and retrieve information. Influenced by Gestalt psychologists (Wertheimer, Koffka, Kohler) and the 1960s invention of computers.

Professions in Psychology

Psychologists: Doctorate degrees, conduct research and provide therapy (human or animal subjects).
Psychiatrists: Medical degrees, can diagnose and prescribe medication for mental disorders.
Psychiatric Social Workers: Training in social work, focus on environmental factors impacting mental health (e.g., poverty, stress, substance abuse).

Research Approaches

Basic Research: Knowledge-driven research, purely for understanding.
Applied Research: Solving real-world problems.
Scientific Method Steps:
- Perceiving the question
- Forming a hypothesis
- Testing the hypothesis
- Drawing conclusions
- Reporting the results

Research Methodology: Naturalistic Observation

Case Study: In-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event.

Ethical Guidelines for Psychological Research

Participant well-being comes first.
Informed consent and the right to withdraw.
Justification for deception (and debriefing).
Protection from physical or emotional harm.
Debriefing.
Confidentiality.
Responsibility for resolving any problematic situations.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves analyzing information and considering alternative viewpoints.
Asking questions is the starting point of critical thinking.
Gathering details and information to deconstruct and find solutions.

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Description

Explore fundamental concepts and early pioneers in psychology. This quiz covers the goals of psychology and contributions from key figures like Wundt, James, and Freud. Test your understanding of behavior and mental processes.