Intro to Psychology

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Who is Wilhelm Wundt?

Considered the father of psychology; aimed to study consciousness in a scientific manner.

What is Consciousness (in Wundt's context)?

Awareness of one's self and surroundings.

What is the University of Leipzig (1879)?

The location where Wilhelm Wundt opened the first psychology lab.

What is the Reaction Time Experiment?

Wundt's study involving the pressing of a lever upon hearing or consciously registering a ball hitting a platform.

What is the Nature vs. Nurture Debate?

The discussion over whether genes (nature) or environment (nurture) predominantly shape who we are.

What is Nature (in the Nature vs. Nurture debate)?

The influence of genes on an individual's traits and characteristics.

What is Natural Selection?

The process where traits leading to better reproduction and survival are favored.

What is Nurture (in the Nature vs. Nurture debate)?

The influence of the environment in which we were raised on our traits and behaviors.

What perspective explains behavior as driven by our brain, genes, and DNA?

Biological perspective

Which perspective suggests behavior is learned from the environment?

Behavioral perspective

What perspective focuses on thinking, thoughts, and interpretation as drivers of behavior?

Cognitive perspective

Which perspective explains behavior as driven by our need to survive and reproduce?

Evolutionary perspective

What perspective emphasizes the need for love and belonging?

Humanistic perspective

Which perspective highlights the unconscious and past childhood experiences?

Psychodynamic perspective

What perspective considers social environment and cultural expectations?

Social-cultural perspective

According to the notes, using more than one approach is required to understand what?

Human behaviors

What approach considers biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors?

Biopsychosocial approach

What is the scientific study of optimal human function and happiness?

Positive psychology

Positive psychology is similar to which other perspective?

Humanistic psychology

Name some character strengths discussed in the notes.

Wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence