Introduction to Psychology: Concepts, Perspectives, and Key Figures

These flashcards cover introductory psychology concepts including contemporary research types, explanations for traits, historical perspectives (Structuralism, Functionalism, etc.), and notable figures in psychology.

Basic Research

A type of psychology research that uncovers general principles.

Applied Research

A type of psychology research used to solve problems.

Dual Practitioners

Psychologists who practice both research and applied psychology.

Translational Research

Research that takes basic research and turns it into applied practice.

Eclectic Approach

An approach using different techniques based on their effectiveness for the current situation.

Ultimate Explanation

Explains why a trait exists by appealing to its role in evolution.

Proximate Explanation

The immediate cause of a trait, divisible into functional and process-oriented explanations.

Functional Explanations

Identifies a specific problem that causes the trait and focuses on a specific benefit.

Process-oriented Explanations

Explains how a physical process explains a trait.

Psychology

The scientific study of behaviors and mental processes.

Structuralism

Founded by Wundt; believes conscious experience can be broken down into basic elements and describes consciousness as objectively as possible.

Functionalism

Founded by James; finds it more important to look at the mind as a whole in different environments and focuses on why we react in certain ways.

Psychodynamic Approach

Founded by Sigmund Freud; based on the mind being separated into the conscious and the unconscious, where unconscious motives and childhood experiences govern personality.

Behavioral Approach

Founded by Watson & Summer; based on how observable behavior can change over time and believes that everything is learned.

Humanistic Approach

Associated with Rogers & Maslow; believes humans have free will and are born with the intention of growing and being the best they can be.

Biological Approach

Based on the idea that an organism's function is explained by bodily structures and biochemical processes underlying behavior.

Cognitive Approach

Believes the human brain cannot be fully understood without examining the way we think and process information.

Sociocultural Approach

States that human behavior must be understood as a result of our social and cultural environment.

Kenneth Clark

First Black President of the APA; married to Marce phillins clark.

Framces Cesl Summer

Known as the father of Black Psychology.

Robert Williams

Important in the study of Intelligence; coined the word Ebonics, now called AAVE.

Clinical Psychology

Field that aims to understand disorders; focuses on neuroscience, cognitive treatments, and diagnosis.

Clinical Psychologists

Professionals who hold a PhD.

Psychiatrists

Professionals who hold an MD and prescribe meds.