What is psychology?
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Empirical Method
method for acquiring knowledge based on observation,
... [Show More] including experimentation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities
Who was Wilhelm Wundt and what did he do?
A German scientist who was the first person to be referred to as a psychologist.
What did Wilhelm Wundt do?
Established the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany
Who wrote the book "Principles of Physiological Psychology" in 1873?
Wilhelm Wundt
Introspection
A method of objective self-observation in which participants report their thoughts and feelings
Structuralism (Wundt)
an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind
William James
founder of functionalism; studied how humans use perception to function in our environment
Functionalism
A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.
Psychoanalytic Theory
A theory developed by Freud that attempts to explain personality, motivation, and mental disorders by focusing on unconscious determinants of behavior
Gestalt Psychology
a psychological approach that emphasizes that we often perceive the whole rather than the sum of the parts
Behaviorism
the view that psychology should be an objective science that and studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with
B.F. Skinner
Behaviorist that developed the theory of operant conditioning by training pigeons and rats
Humanism
A perspective within psychology that emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans.
Who is Abraham Maslow?
American psychologist who is known for proposing Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in motivating behavior
What is the Cognitive Revolution?
A shift in psychology from the behaviorist stimulus-response relationships to an approach whose main thrust was to understand the operation of the mind.
American Psychological Association (APA)
World's largest association of psychologists.
Major Subdivisions of Psychology
Biopsychology and Evolutionary Psychology
Sensation and Perception
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Personality Psychology
Social Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Health Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Biopsychology
Explores how our biology influences our behavior.
Cognitive Psychology
the scientific study of mental processes, including perception, thought, memory, and reasoning and it's relationship to our actions
Developmental psychology
The scientific study of development across a lifespan.
Personality Psychology
Focuses on patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique.
Personality Traits
Relatively consistent patterns of thought and behavior,
The "Big Five" or the Five Factor model
Five trait dimensions that capture the differences in personalities seen across individuals: conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extraversion
Biopsychosocial Model
Model that asserts that biology, psychology, and social factors interact to determine an individual's health
Sport and Exercise Psychology
area of psychology that focuses on the interactions between mental and emotional factors and physical performance in sports, exercise, and other activities
Clinical Psychology
Area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior.
Counseling Psychology
a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living and in achieving greater well-being
Forensic Psychology
Area of psychology that applies the science and practice of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system
PhD
Refers to a doctor of philosophy degree
Dissertation
A long research paper describing research that was conducted as a part of the candidate's doctoral training.
PsyD
Doctor of Psychology
Based on your reading, which theorist would have been most likely to agree with this statement: Perceptual phenomena are best understood as a combination of their components.
William James (Structuralism)
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________ is most well-known for proposing his hierarchy of needs.
Abraham Maslow
The operant conditioning chamber (aka ________ box) is a device used to study the principles of operant conditioning.
Skinner
A researcher interested in how changes in the cells of the hippocampus (a structure in the brain related to learning and memory) are related to memory formation would be most likely to identify as a(n) ________ psychologist.
Biological
A researcher interested in what factors make an employee best suited for a given job would most likely identify as a(n) ________ psychologist.
Personality
Theory
A well-developed set of ideas that propose an explanation for observed phenomena.
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often implied by a theory
Falsifiable
Capable of being shown to be incorrect.
Is a scientific hypothesis falsifiable?
Yes, they are.
Clinical/Case Study
observational research study focusing on one or a few people
What are some pros of clinical/case studies?
Your ability to collect a vast amount of information compared to other types of research methods. [Show Less]