AP Psych 7 Perspectives

Flashcards

Psychic Determinism

Causes of behavior found in the mind are innate - biologically based

• 2 basic instincts: life & death

The Unconscious Mind

“Iceberg Model”

• Mental processes, motives, desires, and memories not available to awareness

Ego

Rational, planful, mediating dimension of personality

• “Reality Principle”

Conscious

Information in your immediate awareness

Superego

Moralistic, judgmental, perfectionist dimension of personality

• “Angel on your shoulder:”

Preconscious

Information which can easily be made conscious

Id

“IT”, “Pleasure Principle”, or “Devil on your shoulder”

• Irrational, illogical, impulsive dimension of your personality

Unconscious

Thoughts, feelings, urges, and other information that is difficult to bring to conscious awareness

“Talking Cure”

Treating mental disorders by delving into a person’s possible unconscious issues through techniques like dream interpretation and dream association

• Repressed fears and conflicts

Hypnosis

A mental state of highly focused concentration, diminished peripheral awareness, and heightened suggestibility

Dream Analysis

The “royal road” to the unconscious - Id wish fufillment

Free Association

Patient relaxes and says whatever comes to mind

• Doesn’t matter how trivial, random, or embarrassing

• No censorship

Insight

Moment of awareness of the problem

• “A-HA!” phenomenon

Catharsis

An emotional release associated with traumatic memories or repressed impulses