Psych 2e Chapter 1

What is psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Who is considered the father of psychology?

Wilhelm Wundt.

What was Wilhelm Wundt known for?

Establishing the first psychology lab in 1879 and using introspection.

What is structuralism?

An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the structure of the mind.

Who founded structuralism?

Edward Titchener.

What is functionalism?

A school of thought that focused on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments.

Who is associated with functionalism?

William James.

What is psychoanalysis?

Freud’s theory of personality that attributes thoughts and actions to unconscious motives and conflicts.

Who founded psychoanalysis?

Sigmund Freud.

What is behaviorism?

The study of observable behavior, especially as it pertains to learning.

Who were major figures in behaviorism?

John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.

What is humanism?

A perspective emphasizing human growth potential and self-actualization.

Who are key figures in humanistic psychology?

Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

What is cognitive psychology?

The study of mental processes like perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

What is the biopsychosocial model?

An integrated approach combining biological, psychological, and social factors.

What is a hypothesis in psychology?

A testable prediction based on a theory.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic process for testing hypotheses and building knowledge.

What is a theory in psychology?

A well-developed set of ideas that proposes an explanation for observed phenomena.

What is introspection?

The examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings.

What are the major contemporary perspectives in psychology?

Biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, sociocultural, and evolutionary.