HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY

Unit 1 Terms and vocab

Sociology

The branch of social sciences that classifies teenagers into subgroups.

Introspection

The examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings, associated with Socrates and Plato.

Structuralism

A psychological approach developed by Wundt and Titchener that breaks conscious experience into objective sensations and subjective feelings.

Gestalt

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes understanding consciousness as a total experience rather than breaking it down into parts.

Functionalism

A psychological approach by William James that focuses on how consciousness helps individuals adapt to their environments.

Psychoanalysis

A theory by Sigmund Freud that suggests unconscious motives and internal conflicts determine behavior.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach founded by John B. Watson that studies observable behavior and limits the study of psychology to this aspect.

Reinforcement

A concept introduced by B.F. Skinner in behaviorism that refers to the use of rewards to control and maintain behavior.

Nature vs Nurture

The debate regarding the extent to which behavior is influenced by inherited (nature) or acquired (nurture) characteristics.

Biological Psychology

A subfield that explores the link between the physical brain and the mind, focusing on internal factors like the nervous system.

Evolutionary Psychology

A perspective that emphasizes how behavior and mental processes are adaptive for survival, influenced by Darwinism.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Founded by Freud, this approach focuses on unconscious drives and their origins in childhood.

Behavioral Psychology

Founded by Watson, this approach emphasizes learning through rewards and punishments and focuses on observable behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

An approach that emphasizes how people receive, store, retrieve, and process information, influencing their reactions to events.

Humanistic Psychology

An approach that stresses individual potential for growth, free will, and self-actualization.

Social-Cultural Psychology

A perspective that examines how culture influences thoughts and actions, considering factors like gender, race, and age.

Basic Research

Pure knowledge aimed at increasing psychology’s knowledge base, without immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving practical problems in various fields of psychology.

Counseling Psychologists

Professionals who help individuals with life challenges, including vocational and marital issues.

Clinical Psychologists

Specialists who treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Psychiatrists

Medical doctors who can prescribe medication for psychological conditions.

School Psychologists

Professionals who assist students with learning problems and educational challenges.

Forensic Psychologists

Experts who provide testimony in legal trials as expert witnesses.

Health Psychology

A field that studies the link between psychological factors and physical health.