psychology exam 3/13/25

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Phineas Gage

A railroad worker whose severe brain injury provided evidence of the frontal lobe's role in personality and decision-making.

Nature vs. Nurture

Nature refers to genetic influences on behavior, while nurture refers to environmental influences.

Structuralism

A psychological approach focused on breaking down mental processes into basic components, founded by Wundt and Titchener.

Introspection

A method where individuals analyze their own thoughts and feelings to understand the conscious mind.

Functionalism

A psychological perspective focused on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment, associated with William James.

Behaviorism

Focuses on observable behavior rather than internal mental states; key figures include John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes free will, personal growth, and self-actualization.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A theory that outlines the stages of human needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Biopsychosocial Approach

An approach that explains behavior through biological, psychological, and social influences.

Sociocultural Approach

Examines how culture and social environment influence behavior.

Id, Ego, Superego

Freud's components of personality: Id (instinctual desires), Ego (balances the Id and Superego), Superego (moral conscience).

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with reality and maintain self-image; repression is an example.

Correlation ≠ Causation

The principle that a correlation between two variables does not imply that one causes the other.

Placebo Effect

An improvement in symptoms due to belief in treatment, even if it's ineffective.

Biopsychology

Branch of psychology that studies the relationship between biological processes and behavior.

Psychopharmacology

The study of how drugs affect mental processes and behavior.

Lobotomy

A psychosurgery technique involving severing brain connections to alter behavior.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of how individuals form emotional bonds: secure, avoidant, and anxious.

Harlow’s Monkey Experiment

Research showing that comfort over food is crucial for attachment in baby monkeys.

Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development

A theory that describes how children's cognitive abilities develop through four stages.

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages

Eight stages of development emphasizing the importance of social relationships.

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

A theory outlining six stages of moral reasoning, from obedience to universal ethical principles.

Just-World Phenomenon

The belief that people generally get what they deserve.