Introduction to Psychology

These flashcards cover foundational concepts, important figures, and different approaches within the field of psychology.

Psychology

The scientific study of human and animal behavior.

Behavior

Anything that you do, think, or feel.

Research Psychology

Studies why things happen and deals with theories and lab experiments.

Applied Psychology

Figures out how to use information found by researchers.

Clinical Psychology

A field focusing on therapy and treatment for mental health issues.

Child Psych

Focuses on how the brain grows and learns to learn. Also looks at how to parent

Educational Psychology

Aims to aid learning styles and issues, often working with children.

Environmental Psychology

Studies coping mechanisms for disasters, crowding, and workplace environments.

Industrial Psychology

Focuses on marketing, public relations, and efficiency in the workplace.

Charles Darwin

Not a psych but developed theory of evolution and believed we can study animals to understand ourselves.

William Wundt

Known as the 'Father of Psychology', he pioneered the scientific study of the mind. Introduced introspection, where participants reflect on and report their own conscious thoughts and feelings

William James

First American psych. Studied how all activities of the mind (thinking, feeling, learning, remembering) serve to help us survive

Sigmund Freud

Introduced psychoanalysis, emphasizing the unconscious mind's influence.

Francis Galton

Investigated whether behaviour/intelligence is hereditary or learned. Developed nature vs nurture idea, and first personality and intelligence tests

Neurobiological Approach

Focuses on chemical and physical reasons for behavior. What chemical reactions occur in our brains and bodies as a result of stimulation, and what reactions do they cause?

Behavioral Approach

States that behavior is learned through experience and can be adapted through rewards.

Humanistic Approach

Emphasizes personal growth and the intrinsic potential of individuals. Stated that everyone has the chance to grow to greatness, and the only thing holding us back is ourselves.

Psychoanalytical approach

States that we all have suppressed desires and unconsciously do things to alleviate these desires. Analyses what we do subconsciously in order to understand our real selves.

Cognitive Approach

Studies the ways in which we process information and how it influences thoughts, feelings, behaviours and our ability to operate. States that past experiences make the difference between one person’s perception and another’s

Socio-cultural Approach

Examines how society and culture impact behavior and mental processes. e.g. economics, race, religion, language, gender, politics