Historical Foundations and Major Perspectives in Psychology

These flashcards cover key figures, theories, and ethical considerations in the history and methods of psychology.

Plato

Proposed that knowledge comes from reason rather than sensory experience.

Dialectical Framing

A method of argument that involves contradiction between thesis and antithesis, leading to synthesis.

Core Idea

The main concept or belief that underpins a theory or argument.

Aristotle

Believed that knowledge is acquired through sensory experience and interaction with the environment.

Rene Descartes

Argued for the separation of mind (non-physical) and body (physical), and how they interact.

Hippocrates

Identified the brain as responsible for thought, emotion, and behavior, opposing earlier beliefs about the heart.

Four Humors

The four body fluids theorized by Hippocrates that were believed to affect personality and behavior.

Galen

Scientific figure who articulated that behavior is controlled by the brain and the nervous system.

Structuralism

Psychological approach founded by Edward Titchener which analyzes the structure of the mind.

Functionalism

School of thought led by William James that focused on the purpose of mental processes in behavior.

Behaviorism

Approach by Pavlov and Watson stressing the study of observable behavior and conditioning.

Humanism

Psychological perspective asserting human goodness and the potential for personal growth.

Phrenology

Discredited belief that personality traits could be determined from the shape of the skull.

Localization of Function

Concept that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions, supported by Broca and Wernicke.

Donald Hebb

Proposed that learning and cognition are based on changes in neural connections.

Quantitative Research

Research method using numerical data to measure variables.

Qualitative Research

Research method that involves descriptive data to explore experiences or phenomena.

Confounding Variable

An extraneous factor that may affect the dependent variable in a research study.

Informed Consent

Process ensuring participants are fully aware of study details before agreeing to take part.

Risk vs. Benefit

Ethical consideration weighing potential harms against the benefits of research.