Introduction to Psychology and Personality Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering major approaches to psychology, Erikson's stages of development, research methods, and personality theories.

Psychology

A science that studies the mind and behavior through rigorous methodologies, systematic observation, and empirical evidence.

Empirical Evidence

Scientific evidence that must be observable, measurable, and replicable, allowing for validation through independent research.

Behavioral Approach

An approach to psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned.

Psychoanalytic Approach

An approach to psychology that emphasizes unconscious motivations and childhood experiences.

Humanistic Approach

An approach to psychology that centers on individual potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization.

Cognitive Approach

An approach to psychology that investigates internal mental processes and how they influence behavior.

Biological Approach

An approach to psychology that examines the relationship between biological factors (like genetics or brain chemistry) and behavior.

Sociocultural Approach

An approach to psychology that highlights the impact of social and cultural contexts on behavior.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Infancy (0-1 year).

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Erikson's second stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Early Childhood (1-3 years).

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erikson's third stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Preschool (3-6 years).

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erikson's fourth stage of psychosocial development, occurring during School Age (6-12 years).

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Adolescence (12-18 years).

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's sixth stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Young Adulthood (18-40 years).

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's seventh stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Middle Adulthood (40-65 years).

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's eighth stage of psychosocial development, occurring during Late Adulthood (65+ years).

Variable

Any factor that can change (e.g., amount of coffee consumed).

Theory

A system of ideas intended to explain something.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction based on theory.

Operational Definition

How variables are measured (e.g., defining "coffee consumption" as 2 cups).

Descriptive Research

Research that defines the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied, utilizing observation, surveys/interviews, and case studies.

Case Studies

An in-depth analysis of an individual or group to explore unique issues in detail.

Correlational Research

Research that examines the relationship between two variables, identifying patterns but unable to determine causation.

Experimental Research

Research that involves manipulation of one variable to see the effects on another, allowing for control over variables and determination of cause-and-effect.

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated in an experiment (e.g., amount of coffee).

Dependent Variable

The variable measured in an experiment (e.g., names recalled).

Control Group

The group in an experiment not exposed to the experimental treatment.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment exposed to the treatment.

Random Assignment

Process where participants are assigned to groups randomly in order to minimize bias.

Personality

The individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Personality perspective focusing on unconscious drives and childhood experiences.

Trait Perspective

Personality perspective examining personality traits that are stable over time.

Social-Cognitive Perspective

Personality perspective focusing on the interaction between social environment and cognitive processes.

Id

The primitive and instinctual part of personality in Freud's psychoanalytic theory.

Ego

The realistic aspect of personality in Freud's psychoanalytic theory that mediates between desires and reality.

Superego

The moral conscience in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, incorporating societal norms.

Self-Actualization

The motivation to realize personal potential, emphasizing fulfillment in Maslow's humanistic theory.

Conditions of Worth

Factors highlighted by Carl Rogers that affect a person's self-concept and impact self-esteem.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Concept advocated by Carl Rogers that enables individuals to develop a healthy self-concept aligning closely with their ideal self.

Openness

Dimension of the Five Factor Model of Personality representing willingness to try new things.

Conscientiousness

Dimension of the Five Factor Model of Personality representing level of organization and dependability.

Extraversion

Dimension of the Five Factor Model of Personality representing degree of sociability.

Agreeableness

Dimension of the Five Factor Model of Personality representing measure of kindness and cooperativeness.

Neuroticism

Dimension of the Five Factor Model of Personality representing emotional stability and resilience.

Self-Efficacy

A key concept in Bandura's social-cognitive theory reflecting one's belief in their capacity to execute behaviors necessary to achieve specific performance levels.

Self-Report Tests

Personality tests (such as the MMPI) that measure personality through structured questionnaires assessing various psychological conditions and traits based on self-recognition.

Projective Test

Personality tests like the Rorschach inkblot test and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) designed to reveal hidden emotions and internal conflicts by asking individuals to interpret ambiguous stimuli.