Psych 101 Ch 1

What is psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes that has an empirical approach

What is psyche?

Focus on and study on the mind, spirit, and soul

What is empirical evidence?

Evidence that is observable and testable through experimentation

Who is the father of psychology and what did he do?

Wilhem Wundt, set up the first psychological lab

What is the psychoanalysis theory?

A theory by Sigmund Freud that focused on early childhood and the different layers of mind (conscious, preconscious, unconscious). Also supported sexual and aggressive instincts, free association, and dream interpretation.

What is behaviorism and who supported it?

How overt behaviors are affected by the environment. Watson (CC), Skinner (Operant conditioning), Pavlov (CC).

What experiment is Pavlov famous for?

Classical conditioning, involuntary behaviors, reflexes, dogs and salivation. 

What experiment is Watson famous for?

Classical conditioning, involuntary behaviors, emotion, Little Albert, fear

What experiment is Skinner famous for?

Operant conditioning, voluntary behaviors, reinforcements.

What is humanism and who supported it?

Theory that supports humans unique, natural drive to reach full potential. Self-actualization and unconditional positive regard. Maslow- Hierarchy of needs

What is cognitive psychology and who supported it?

Theory that emphasizes internal processes, thought (perception, processes, memory, decision). “Cognitive revolution”. Neisser.

What is evolutionary psychology and who supported it?

Theory that states that changes in behavior and mind changes are a result of evolution. Natural selection, Darwin. 

What is social psychology?

Theory that studies the effects of social interaction and culture. Biology psychosocial approach, multifactorial. Nature vs nurture.

What is the order of the scientific method?

Observe, question, background research, hypothesis, test, collect & analyze data, conclusions, share.

What is a confounding variable?

An extraneous factor that interferes with the relationship between an experiment’s independent variable and dependent variable 

What is researcher bias?

Any unattended errors in the research process or interpretation of its results due to an investigators expectancy or preconceived beliefs.

What is a double-blind procedure?

An experimental method where neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment.