Psychology 202 Exam 1 Study Guide Questions

Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 1: History and Modern Perspectives, Chapter 1: Research, Chapter 1: Statistics and Ethics

Wilhelm Wundt

Father of modern psychology, established the first psychology laboratory in 1879.

Edward Titchener

Associated with Structuralism, focused on analyzing the structure of conscious experiences.

William James

Founder of Functionalism, emphasized the purpose of conscious thoughts for adaptation.

Sigmund Freud

Developed Psychoanalysis, highlighting the role of the unconscious in behavior.

John Watson

Introduced Behaviorism in 1913, advocating for the study of observable behavior only.

B.F Skinner

Expanded Behaviorism in the 1930s-1950s, known for operant conditioning and reinforcement theories.

Max Wertheimer

Established Gestalt Psychology, asserting that the whole experience is greater than its parts.

Charles Darwin

Influenced psychology with his Theory of Evolution and natural selection, published in 1859.

Scientific Revolution

A key moment in the 1600s that emphasized systematic study through observation and evidence.

René Descartes

Introduced mind-body dualism in the 1600s, influencing philosophical foundations of psychology.

John Locke

Proposed the "Tabula rasa" concept, suggesting the mind is a blank slate at birth.

Research Psychology

Focuses on discovering information about behavior and mental processes.

Applied Psychology

Uses research findings to help people and apply information in practical settings.

Biological/Neuroscience Approach

Examines brain functions and biological influences on behavior.

Evolutionary Approach

Explains behavior through adaptation, building on Darwin’s ideas.

Psychodynamic Approach

Expands on Freud’s theories regarding unconscious influences on behavior.

Cognitive Approach

Studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making.

Humanistic Approach

Emphasizes personal growth and the potential of individuals.

Sociocultural Approach

Investigates how society and culture impact behavior.

Scientific Method

A systematic process involving observation, hypothesis, data collection, and conclusion.

Theory-Data Cycle

The relationship between theory, research questions, design, hypotheses, and data.

Descriptive Research

Aims to report natural behavior without influence, using methods like surveys and observations.

Experimental Research

Seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating conditions.

Variable

Any observable or measurable factor in research.

Third Variable Problem

The influence of an unmeasured factor on the relationship between two variables.

Independent Variable

The factor manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured in an experiment.

Experimenter Bias

When a researcher unintentionally influences participant responses.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to interpret evidence in a way that supports prior beliefs.

Double-Blind Procedure

Both participants and experimenters are unaware of treatment conditions to reduce bias.

Random Sampling

A method to minimize sampling bias, ensuring even distribution across groups.

Descriptive Statistics

Use numbers to report percentages, averages, and frequencies from a sample.

Inferential Statistics

Use sample data to make inferences about a larger population.

Statistical Significance

A calculation determining the likelihood that observed results are due to chance.

Ethical Principle

Beneficence and nonmaleficence, ensuring participant safety and well-being.

Ethical Principle

Fidelity and Responsibility, promoting trust and accepting responsibility in research.

Ethical Principle

Integrity, promoting accuracy and honesty in research practices.

Ethical Principle

Justice, ensuring fair treatment of all participants in research.

Ethical Principle

Respect for People's Rights and Dignity, including informed consent in research.