Psychology - Unit 1: Goals, and Approaches to Psychology

Psychology

the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.

Physiological

relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.

Cognitive

the process of the brain are the most important aspect to explain how an individual behaves or thinks.

Sociocultural

studies how cultural factors influence our thinking and behavior

Introspection

the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

Psychoanalytic

emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, early childhood experiences, and interpersonal relationships.

Behavioral

All behavior is learned and therefore can be modified through conditioning.

Humanistic

Emphasizes the whole individual and strives to help people fulfill their potential and maximize their well-being. stresses concepts such as free will, self confidence, and self actualization.

Biological

Thoughts, feelings, and behavior ultimately have a biological cause, are mostly inherited, and have an evolutionary function

Hypothesis

a supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Wilhelm Wundt

This psychologist opened the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1875

eros (life instincts) and Thanatos (death instincts)

Freud believed these two forces were responsible for behavior

Edward Thorndike, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner

These psychologists are known as behaviorists

Sigmund Freud

This psychologist is associated with the psychodynamic approach

Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura

These psychologists are associated with the cognitive approach

Charles Darwin

This naturalist and geologist is associated with the biological approach

Gusthav Jahoda and John W. Berry

These psychologists are associated with the cross-cultural perspective

Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow

These humanists are associated with the humanistic approach

4 goals of psychology

describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes

Behavioral

This approach is associated with classical and operant conditioning

Humanistic

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is associated with this approach