Modern and Historical Approaches to Psychology

Vocabulary flashcards defining modern and historical psychological approaches based on the provided lecture notes.

Cognitive approach

Observing how the mind processes information (thoughts or cognition)

Studies attention, problem solving, language, and memory

Psychodynamic approach

The effects of the unconcious process

Biological approach

Start with the brain to understand the mind

(Includes sleep, drug use and abuse, ingestive behavior, reproduction, neurodevelopment, etc.)

Involves biologist, medical professionals, and chemists

Behaviorism approach

Reinforcement +Punishment influence

Famous behavioralist are Ivan Pavlov (studied dogs), John Watson (studied children), and B. F. Skinner (studied punishment in rats and pigeons)

Humanistic approach

How purpose and needs drive the mind

Abraham Maslow believed people strive to reach their highest potential (basic needs the higher needs)

Carl Rogers used client center therapy (used unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy)

Sociocultural approach

The cultural and societal factor influence (childhood)

Evolutionary Psychology

Studies how human behavior evolved to fit environment

Assumes genetics and natural selection play into behaviors

Sensation and perception

The 5 senses along with balance and how we process them

Developmental Psychology

Studies how humans develop and change though out their life

Jean Piaget studied how children change when they reach adulthood

Personality Psychology

Studies how each person is unique

The five traits are openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism

Cognitive revolution

Return psychology to the study of mental process

Reaction to behaviorism

Arose from new perspectives (computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience)

Helped create the interdisciplinary field of cognitive science

Social Psychology

Studies how we interact and relate to others

Industrial-Orginizational Psychology

Applying psychology to work place settings

Health psychology

Studies how health is affected by biological, psychology, and sociocultural factors

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Studies the psychological aspects of sports performance

Clinical psychology

Studies the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders

Forensic Psychology

Focuses on psychology within the justice system

Must understand the law as well as psychology

Structuralism

Observes the building blocks of the mind

Functionalism

Starts with the reasoning for the mind (why laugh)

Psychology

The scientific study of mind

Psyche

The ancient Greek word for soul

-ology

denotes the study of something

Empirical Method

Observations

Theories

Hypothesis

William James

First American Psychologist

Published “Principles of Psychology” in 1880

Used introspection and other recording devices

Argued for functionalism

William James

First American Psychologist

Published “Principles of Psychology” in 1880

Used introspection and other recording devices

Argued for functionalism

Gesalt Psychology

Gesalt means “whole”

The three gesalt scientists are Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffa, and Wolfgang Kohler

Gesalt Psychology is the foundation for humanistic psychology

Gesalt Psychology

Gesalt means “whole”

The three gesalt scientists are Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffa, and Wolfgang Kohler

Gesalt Psychology is the foundation for humanistic psychology

Feminist Psychology

Addressed the problem not being allowed to contribute to psychology till the 1960s

Pointed out sexist biases in psychology

Discovered contributions of women in psychology

Multicultural Psychology

Studied the impact of culture on individuals

Created theories that took different cultural perspectives into account

Educational requirements for a career in psychology

Doctor of philosophy (PhD) (5-7 years of study)

Master's degree (Ma or Ms) (2-3 years of study)

Doctor of psychology (PsyD) (4-6 years of study)

Doctor of medicine (MD) (4 years of study + 3-7 years of residency)