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Questions and Answers
What is a recommended practice for creating an effective study environment?
What is a recommended practice for creating an effective study environment?
Which of the following time management strategies is advised for preparing for tests?
Which of the following time management strategies is advised for preparing for tests?
What is one effective method to enhance learning according to the study strategies?
What is one effective method to enhance learning according to the study strategies?
What should you do when faced with a tough question during a test?
What should you do when faced with a tough question during a test?
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Which strategy is recommended for answering multiple-choice questions effectively?
Which strategy is recommended for answering multiple-choice questions effectively?
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What is the primary definition of psychology?
What is the primary definition of psychology?
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Which of the following is NOT a sub-field of psychology mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a sub-field of psychology mentioned?
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What must be changed first to affect behavior toward ethnic minority groups?
What must be changed first to affect behavior toward ethnic minority groups?
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What aspect of behavior is considered overt?
What aspect of behavior is considered overt?
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What is a characteristic of scientific study in psychology?
What is a characteristic of scientific study in psychology?
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What process helps to visualize the appearance of blind individuals?
What process helps to visualize the appearance of blind individuals?
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Which of the following best describes a covert behavior?
Which of the following best describes a covert behavior?
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According to recent research, what is critical for effective reading?
According to recent research, what is critical for effective reading?
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What is the primary goal of psychology that involves naming and classifying observable behaviors?
What is the primary goal of psychology that involves naming and classifying observable behaviors?
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Which perspective in psychology focuses on how mental processes affect behavior, including perception and problem-solving?
Which perspective in psychology focuses on how mental processes affect behavior, including perception and problem-solving?
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What is the major drawback of relying on everyday approaches to understanding behavior?
What is the major drawback of relying on everyday approaches to understanding behavior?
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Which term describes the view that the mind and body are separate entities?
Which term describes the view that the mind and body are separate entities?
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Who introduced the notion of neuroplasticity by associating brain lesions with learning and memory?
Who introduced the notion of neuroplasticity by associating brain lesions with learning and memory?
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What role does evolutionary psychology attribute to behavioral processes?
What role does evolutionary psychology attribute to behavioral processes?
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Which type of research aims to describe how people behave without a specific practical application?
Which type of research aims to describe how people behave without a specific practical application?
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What does the parental investment theory primarily explain?
What does the parental investment theory primarily explain?
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What defines confirmation bias in everyday reasoning?
What defines confirmation bias in everyday reasoning?
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Which brain structure is often associated with the emotion of fear?
Which brain structure is often associated with the emotion of fear?
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Which level of analysis would focus on understanding the impact of a person's unstable marriage on their behavior?
Which level of analysis would focus on understanding the impact of a person's unstable marriage on their behavior?
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What might suggest a link between genetics and behavior in humans?
What might suggest a link between genetics and behavior in humans?
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Which of the following describes a criticism of using everyday experiences as a foundation for understanding complex behaviors?
Which of the following describes a criticism of using everyday experiences as a foundation for understanding complex behaviors?
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Which perspective considers the biological underpinnings of behavior and the impact of genetics and brain structure?
Which perspective considers the biological underpinnings of behavior and the impact of genetics and brain structure?
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What was the primary focus of structuralism in psychology?
What was the primary focus of structuralism in psychology?
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Which concept is most aligned with functionalism in psychology?
Which concept is most aligned with functionalism in psychology?
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What does Gestalt psychology primarily investigate?
What does Gestalt psychology primarily investigate?
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What fundamentally distinguishes the psychodynamic perspective from other psychological theories?
What fundamentally distinguishes the psychodynamic perspective from other psychological theories?
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What is a major principle of behaviorism as stated by B.F. Skinner?
What is a major principle of behaviorism as stated by B.F. Skinner?
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Humanism in psychology emphasizes which of the following concepts?
Humanism in psychology emphasizes which of the following concepts?
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In the sociocultural perspective, what does culture primarily provide to its members?
In the sociocultural perspective, what does culture primarily provide to its members?
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What is a risk of conducting cross-cultural research in psychology?
What is a risk of conducting cross-cultural research in psychology?
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Which of the following is not typically associated with cognitive distortions?
Which of the following is not typically associated with cognitive distortions?
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What does the behavior modification technique of aversion therapy typically involve?
What does the behavior modification technique of aversion therapy typically involve?
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What critical aspect does Terror Management Theory emphasize?
What critical aspect does Terror Management Theory emphasize?
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Which early school of thought influenced the development of cognitive perspective in psychology?
Which early school of thought influenced the development of cognitive perspective in psychology?
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What unique feature does the concept of 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' illustrate in psychology?
What unique feature does the concept of 'the whole is greater than the sum of its parts' illustrate in psychology?
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Study Notes
Psychology: The Science of Behavior
- Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and the mind.
- Behavior refers to overt, observable actions.
- Mind refers to covert mental processes (memory, thought, feelings) that cannot be directly observed.
Defining Psychology
- Psyche: mind or soul
- Logos: study of a subject
- Psychology is more than just therapy. Various subfields exist, including cognitive psychology (consciousness, memory, problem-solving).
Subfields of Psychology
- Biopsychology/Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Industrial-organizational Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Social Psychology
Scientific Study in Psychology
- Psychology uses scientific methods.
- Critical thinking is essential: questioning assumptions, evaluating sources, and considering alternative explanations.
- Scientific rigor involves asking questions, seeking evidence, manipulating variables, and critical analysis.
- Attention to word order in a sentence can help us understand how people read, we don't read every letter individually but the word as a whole.
Everyday Approaches vs. Psychological Approaches
- Everyday approaches (like folk wisdom, astrology) have limitations.
- Everyday approaches often rely on assumptions, mental shortcuts (stereotypes), and confirmation bias (emphasizing supporting evidence and ignoring contradictory information).
- Psychological approaches employ systematic observation and evidence-based methodology.
Goals of Psychology
- Description: naming and classifying behavior.
- Understanding: identifying the causes of behavior.
- Prediction: anticipating future behavior.
- Control: influencing behavior.
- Promote Human Welfare: a key goal.
Psychology as Basic & Applied Science
- Basic research aims to expand knowledge about behavior.
- Applied research seeks to solve practical problems.
- Example: basic research on memory can influence interrogation practices.
Perspectives on Behavior
- Multiple levels of analysis (biological, psychological, environmental).
- Perspectives are crucial for different viewpoints and understanding of human behavior.
- Major views include biological/neuroscience, cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, humanist, and sociocultural.
Biological Perspective
- The mind-body debate explores the relationship between mind and body: dualism (separate entities) and monism (one interconnected).
Brain-Behavior Relations
- Physiologists like Galvani and Lashley, and psychologists Hebb and Olds explored relationships between brain and behavior.
- HM case study of amnesia highlighted the impact of brain damage on behavior.
- Biopsychologists emphasize biological factors (structures, neurotransmitters) influencing behavior.
Evolutionary Psychology
- Examines behavior through an evolutionary lens.
- Adaptability and survival are key concepts, with natural selection favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction.
Sociobiology
- Genetic survival (of species) is more important than individual survival. (e.g., altruism).
- Explores the connection between social behavior and evolution.
- Focuses on evolution of social behaviors and traits as they relate to survival.
Behavioral Genetics
- Investigates the role of genes in behavior.
- Twin studies help determine gene-behavior correlation.
- Mental illnesses (e.g., depression, schizophrenia) show genetic components.
Cognitive Perspective
- Examines mental processes (perception, memory, problem-solving).
- Explores the influence of mental processes on motivation, emotion, and behavior.
Origins of the Cognitive Perspective
- Roots in philosophy and medicine, examining the nature of mind and body. Includes schools of thought such as structuralism, functionalism, and Gestalt psychology.
Structuralism
- Founded by Wilhelm Wundt with the first psychology lab in Leipzig.
- Focused on analyzing consciousness into its basic elements.
- Utilized introspection for self-observation.
Functionalism
- Influenced by Darwin's natural selection
- Focused on the functions of consciousness.
- Stressed the continuous flow of thought (stream of consciousness).
Gestalt Psychology
- Emphasizes wholes greater than parts.
- Focuses on how elements are organized in perceptual wholes.
Psychodynamic Perspective
- Founded by Sigmund Freud.
- Focuses on unconscious determinants of behavior.
- Psychoanalysis explores unconscious conflicts through free association.
Behaviorism
- Driven by the belief that behavior is learned through environmental factors.
- Emphasizes observable behaviors and environmental factors rather than mental processes.
- John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner, key figures
- Learning involves reinforcement and punishment
Humanism
- Rejects psychoanalysis and behaviorism.
- Emphasizes free will, potential for growth, and subjective experience.
- Promotes self-actualization.
Sociocultural Perspective
- Explores how culture shapes thoughts, behaviors, and values.
- Explains how culture dictates norms and values.
- Culture heavily influences individual worldviews and behavior.
Learning & Study Habits
- Time Management: Scheduling efficient study sessions with defined study times and prioritizing tasks.
- Study Skills: Selecting a conducive study environment, improving concentration, and actively engaging with material. Effective techniques like using directed questions and creating cue cards.
- Test Preparation: Efficient utilization of time management and study skills to prepare productively. Effective methods such as using focused study questions and spreading out study sessions rather than cramming.
- Test Taking: Approaching tests strategically by marking tough questions and organizing material for better essay answers and thoughtfully examining the multiple-choice answers prior to selection.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the fundamental aspects of psychology, including its definition as the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Dive into various subfields such as biopsychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology, and understand the significance of scientific methods in psychological research.
