Comprehensive Overview of Psychology: History, Perspectives, and Principles

What is the main focus of psychology?

The study of the mind, behavior, and mental processes.

What are the key integrative themes in psychology?

General principles governing behavior, the influence of psychological, biological, social, and cultural factors, and the impact of perspectives and biases.

What does the term 'Experiment-Based Empiricism' refer to in psychology?

The reliance on experimental methods as the best tool for answering psychological questions.

What is the significance of quantification in psychology?

It emphasizes the need to measure phenomena to understand changes in behavior or mental processes.

Define the 'Nomothetic Approach' in psychology.

An approach that seeks universal laws to explain human behavior.

What is the 'Pathology-Oriented Lens' in psychology?

A focus on finding explanations and treatments for disorders rather than promoting positive behaviors.

What are the roots of psychology?

Psychology has roots in both philosophy and natural sciences.

Who is considered the father of experimental psychology?

Wilhelm Wundt, who founded experimental psychology and conducted the first psychology experiment.

What is 'Mental Chronometry'?

A method used to measure the time it takes to process mental tasks, demonstrating the relationship between complexity and reaction time.

What is Voluntarism in psychology?

The belief that humans can choose what to attend to and perceive clearly.

What did Structuralism aim to achieve?

To break down human consciousness into its basic elements such as sensations, feelings, and images.

What is Gestalt Psychology?

A perspective that emphasizes understanding the 'whole' rather than breaking down mental processes into smaller components.

What did Edward Titchener contribute to psychology?

He developed Structuralism, focusing on analyzing the structure of the mind.

What is Functionalism in psychology?

An approach that asks 'why' behaviors occur, focusing on the purpose of mental processes.

Who were the key figures in the development of Behaviorism?

John Watson and B.F. Skinner, who focused on observable behavior and its relationship with the environment.

What does Humanism emphasize in psychology?

The positive aspects of human nature and the potential for personal growth.

What is the debate surrounding nature vs. nurture in psychology?

The discussion on whether human behavior is primarily determined by genetics (nature) or experiences (nurture).

What was the historical significance of drilling holes in skulls?

Ancient practices aimed at curing headaches and psychological disorders, akin to early lobotomies.

What is the relationship between psychology and natural sciences?

Psychology borrows methods from natural sciences to answer philosophical questions about human behavior.

What is the role of philosophers in the development of psychology?

Philosophers posed questions about the self, free will, and knowledge that psychology seeks to answer through scientific methods.

How did early research methods in psychology differ from contemporary methods?

Early methods relied heavily on introspection, while contemporary methods emphasize empirical and experimental approaches.

Who coined the term 'Stream of Consciousness'?

William James

What was the first psychology laboratory in Canada?

Established at the University of Toronto by James Mark Baldwin.

What are the two scientific approaches to understanding psychological disorders developed between the 17th and 19th centuries?

The Medical Model (physical causes) and the Psychological Model (life experiences).

What is Sigmund Freud known for in psychology?

Creating the Psychodynamic Theory, focusing on the unconscious mind and the influence of life experiences on behavior.

What is the main idea of Humanistic Psychology?

It posits that people are innately good and strive for self-improvement, with behavior being corrupted by societal influences.

What is Client-Centered Therapy?

A therapeutic approach developed by Carl Rogers that emphasizes equal standing between therapist and client, and active listening.

What did Ivan Pavlov contribute to psychology?

He is known for Pavlovian conditioning, demonstrating how dogs associated the arrival of their handler with food.

What is the 'Law of Effect' proposed by Edward Thorndike?

Behaviors followed by pleasant outcomes are more likely to occur in the future, while those followed by unpleasant outcomes are less likely.

What does Behavioral Neuroscience focus on?

The relationship between biological processes and behavior, often using a 'black box model' to understand stimuli and responses.

What sparked the Cognitive Revolution in psychology?

A challenge to behaviorism, focusing on internal mental processes such as thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.

Who was Wilder Penfield and what was his contribution?

A neurologist who created a functional map of the human brain by stimulating different areas while patients were awake.

What are the five perspectives of psychology?

Biological Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social and Personality Psychology.

What does Biological Psychology examine?

The relationship between the mind and biological processes, including genetics and biochemistry.

How does Evolutionary Psychology relate to behavior?

It studies how physical structures and behaviors have evolved to enhance survival.

What does Cognitive Psychology focus on?

The processes of thinking, information storage, and retrieval of memories.

What does Developmental Psychology study?

Normal behavioral changes that occur over a lifespan, including memory recollection differences across ages.

What is the focus of Social and Personality Psychology?

The effects of social environments, cultural diversity, and individual differences on behavior.

What is the role of Clinical Psychology?

To explain, define, and treat psychological disorders, including the effects of traumatic experiences.

What is the trend in 21st-century psychology regarding perspectives?

There is a shift towards a more comprehensive approach, integrating multiple perspectives for a more accurate understanding.

What does it mean to be a psychologist?

It encompasses a variety of roles beyond traditional psychology jobs, including therapy and drug reconciliation.