Studying Psychology, Personality, Social Psychology

What is the definition of psychology?

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

What qualifications can a psychologist have?

Psychologists can have a Phys. D., Ph. D., or Ms.

What are the different roles psychologists can have?

Consultants, researchers, clinicians (therapists), professors/instructors.

What are the levels of analysis in psychology?

Lower levels are mainly tied to biological levels; higher levels are tied to social levels.

Why isn't psychology common sense?

Psychology often challenges widely accepted beliefs and requires evidence, whereas common sense may rely on assumptions.

What is naive realism?

The belief that we perceive and experience the world objectively.

What is confirmation bias?

The tendency to seek and interpret information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

What is personality in psychology?

A consistent and stable way of thinking, behaving, and feeling which defines who we are.

What were Sigmund Freud's contributions to personality theory?

Freud developed the first complete theory of personality, distinguishing between conscious, unconscious, and subconscious levels.

What is the goal of psychology as a science?

To describe, explain, predict, and control thinking, feeling, and behaving.

What does being critical imply in psychology?

Being curious and skeptical, where strength in belief depends on strength in evidence.

What is the significance of the Mozart effect?

It challenges the notion of common sense regarding abilities and intelligence, illustrating how psychology goes beyond assumptions.

What is the 'truth bias'?

The tendency to believe information presented as true.

What is the 'overconfidence bias'?

The tendency to be more confident in one's abilities than is objectively warranted.

How does psychological research adapt over time?

Understanding of psychological subjects grows as multiple sources are considered and conclusions are adjusted with new information.