Psychology 2e Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of mind and behavior

Observation

Information obtained through the senses

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for an observation

Experiment

A means to verify hypothesis

Theory

An explanation of a phenomenon that stems from a tested and verified hypothesis

Scientific Theory

Broad explanation of natural world that is supported by evidence over time

Scientific Law

A concise statement that seeks to explain a wide range of natural phenomena

Empirical

Based on observation or experimentation

Empirical Method

A method in which knowledge is acquired from observation and experiments, rather than aruguements or previous authorities

Critical Thinking

Objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form judgement

Wilhem Wundt

The founder of psychology as a scientific study. Brought the movement of Structuralism.

Wundt’s goal of Psychology

To identify components of consciousness and how those components result in the conscious experience

Introspection

A method of self observation In which the subject examines their conscious experience as objectively as possible

Voluntarism

A philosophical belief that humans possess free will and should know if they are participating in an experiment

Structuralism

A school of psychology that aimed to identify the contents of mental process (components) rather than the processes’ function (whole)

William James

1st American psychologist who introduced Darwinian concepts to the study of psychology

William James’s goal of psychology

To examine the mind in it’s whole, rather than focusing on individual components

Functionalism

A school of Psychology focused on how certain mental activities help an organism fit into it’s enviorment

Sigmund Freud

An Austrian neurologist who founded the school of psychoanalysis within the study of psychology

Freud’s Goal of Psychology

To examine the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in the human mind

Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Koehler

3 German psychologists who immigrated to US and brought Gestalt Principles of Psychology

Gestalt Goal of Psychology

To examine how the components of the human mind relate to the whole and how the components result in a objectively unique whole

Gestalt Psychology

School of psych concerned with the sensory experience and how they relate back to the whole mind and how the mind perceives and processes that relation

Ivan Pavlov

A Russian physiologist famous for his research into conditioned and learned behavior

John B Watson

An American psychologist whose work centered on understanding and observable behavior and controlling said behavior

Behaviorism

Study of controlling mind and behavior

B.F. Skinner

(Behaviorist) An American psychologist whose work centered focused on the nature of consequences, particularly reinforcement and punishment, on behavior

Operant Conditioning Chamber AKA Skinner Box

Chamber allowing study of behavior through reinforcement and punishment

Goal of Behaviorism

To study behavior, in particular learning behavior and inborn qualities

Abraham Maslow

American psychologist famous of developing a hierarchy of human needs in terms of motivation behavior (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs)

Carl Rogers

American psych who developed client centered therapy and emphasized the role of patient over the clinician

Cognitive Revolution

Revived interest in the mind being the focus of scientific inquiry

“Cognitive Psychology”

By Ulric Nesser and 1st text for Cognitive Psychology

Goals of Humanism

To forgo previously deterministic nature of psychology in favor of more empathetic approach

Humanism

A school of psychology focused on the potential good in humans and personal autonomy

Noam Chomsky

American Linguist who influences the growth of cognitive science and psychology

WEIRD Socieities

Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic

Francis Cecil Sumner

1st African American to get PHD is Psych

George I. Sanchez

Mexican heritage and challenges segregated educational practices

Mamie Phipps Clark and Kenneth Clark

Studied conducted on African American kids and their doll preferences and instrumental in Brown V Board of Education Supreme Court desegregation case

Margaret Floy Washburn

1st woman awarded doctoral degree in psychology in 1894

Mary Whiton Calkins

Completed all requirements for PhD in psychology and Harvard refused because she was a woman

Martha Bernal

1st Latina to earn doctoral degree in psychology in 1962

Inez Beverly Prosser

1st African American woman to get PhD in 1933

Bio psychology

Psychology specialty that studies the interaction of biology, behavior, and mental process

Evolutionary Psychology

Psychology specialty that studies the ultimate biological causes behind behavior and mental processes

Sensation and Perception

Specialty focused on perception and sensation of external stimuli

Cognitive Psychology

Specialty focused on studying cognitions and their relationship to an individual actions and experiences

Developmental Psychology

Specialty focused on psychological development over human lifespan

Personality Psychology

Focuses on patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make us unique…. Personality traits

Big Five or 5 Factor Model

5 trait dimensions to capture variations in people’s personalities.

1. Conciousness

2. Agreeableness

3. Neuroticism

4. Openness

5. Extra version

Social Psychology

Focus on how we interact and relate to others

Stanley Milgram

Crazy experiments on obeying orders to inflict pain and suffering. Unethical. Catalyst on development of ethical guidelines and informed consent

Industrial Organization Psychology

Specialty focused on psychology principles in work place environment and industrial setting

Health Psychology

Specialty focused on how physical health can be impacted by psychological and social factors

American Psychological Association APA

Organization that represents the psychology in US. Founded 1892.

Association of Psychological Science APS

Founded 1988. Seeks to advance orientation of psychology. Publishes 5 research journals

Clinical Psychology

Focus on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders

Counseling Psychology

Focus on emotional, social, vocational, and health related outcomes in people who are considered psychologically healthy

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

PsyD

Doctor of psychology degree