Perspectives in Psychology - Video Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, perspectives, and figures from the lecture notes.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes in humans and animals.

Behavior

Any observable action.

Mental processes

Internal thoughts, feelings, and other non-observable mental states.

Objective introspection

The research method of looking inward to examine and measure one's own thoughts and mental activities.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that analyzes the mind’s structure by breaking down conscious experiences into basic elements.

Functionalism

An early school focusing on what the mind does and how mental processes help adaptation and survival.

Evolutionary perspective

A perspective applying natural selection to mental processes to explain their function in survival and reproduction.

Psychodynamic perspective

A perspective emphasizing the influence of past experiences stored in the unconscious mind on current behavior and personality.

Behavioral perspective

A perspective that studies observable behavior and the ways it is learned and shaped by the environment.

Cognitive perspective

A perspective focusing on memory, intelligence, perception, language, problem solving, and learning and how internal processes influence behavior.

Humanistic perspective

A perspective emphasizing growth potential, free will, and motivation to realize one’s potential.

Sociocultural perspective

A perspective highlighting how society and culture shape behavior and cognition.

Biological perspective (Biopsychology)

A perspective examining genetic and brain-chemical influences on thinking and behavior.

Biopsychosocial approach

An eclectic approach that combines biological, psychological, and socio-cultural influences on behavior.

American Psychological Association (APA)

The largest U.S. psychology organization, founded in 1892 to advance psychology.

Wilhelm Wundt

The 'Father of Psychology'; established the first experimental psychology laboratory in 1879, separating psychology from philosophy.

William James

The 'Father of American Psychology'; taught the first psychology course at Harvard and wrote The Principles of Psychology.

Ivan Pavlov

Physiologist who identified the basic unit of learning through conditioning (classical conditioning).

John B. Watson

'Father of Behaviorism'; promoted psychology as the science of observable behavior.

B.F. Skinner

Key figure in behaviorism; emphasized operant conditioning and learning via consequences.

Sigmund Freud

Founder of psychoanalysis; believed disturbances arise from the unconscious and childhood conflicts.

Abraham Maslow

Father of Humanistic Psychology; proposed the hierarchy of needs and growth potential.

Carl Rogers

Proponent of client-centered therapy; believed people are naturally good and can solve problems with support.

Jean Piaget

Pioneer of cognitive development; studied how children's thinking differs from adults and grows through stages.

Albert Bandura

Social learning theory; emphasized learning by observing others and the role of self-efficacy.

Albert Ellis

Founding figure of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), integrating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies.

Martin Seligman

Promoter of positive psychology and well-being; APA president in 1996.

Perspective mnemonic

A mnemonic (PERSPECTIVES MNEMONIC) linking each psychology perspective to a finger to aid memory.