PSY101 topic2 lecture

What is the definition of psychology according to the lecture?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior, incorporating biological, social, and cultural influences.

What are the key features that differentiate psychology from pseudoscience?

Psychology emphasizes scientific evidence, empirical observation, and critical evaluation of claims.

What is confirmation bias?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to focus on information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

What are the six principles of scientific thinking mentioned in the lecture?

1. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. 2. Testing predictions. 3. Occam's Razor. 4. Replicability. 5. Ruling out rival hypotheses. 6. Correlation does not imply causation.

What does the principle of 'Occam's Razor' imply?

The simplest explanation that accounts for the data is often the best.

What is the 'lunar effect' and what does research on it suggest?

The lunar effect refers to the belief that the full moon influences human behavior; research suggests there is little empirical support for this claim.

What role does critical thinking play in psychology?

Critical thinking involves evaluating claims and evidence, questioning assumptions, and adhering to a methodical approach to understanding human behavior.

What did Wundt contribute to the field of psychology?

___established the first psychology lab in 1879, marking the birth of psychology as a formal scientific discipline.

How does behaviorism differ from other psychological perspectives?

this perspective focuses solely on observable behavior and the influence of the environment, dismissing internal mental processes.

What significance does the humanistic perspective hold in psychology?

____psychology emphasizes personal growth, free will, and the inherent goodness of people, contrasting with psychodynamic and behaviorist views.

Why is skepticism important in evaluating psychological claims?

Skepticism encourages thorough assessment of evidence and claims, helping to differentiate between scientifically supported ideas and pseudosciences.

who introduced of behaviorism?

John B. Watson is credited with the development of ____, emphasizing the study of observable behavior.

What are the potential dangers of pseudoscientific practices like rebirthing therapy mentioned in the lecture?

Rebirthing therapy has been linked to severe harm, including the death of a child during a session, illustrating the risks of unverified practices.

What is the concept of 'naive realism' as discussed in the lecture?

Naive realism is the belief that we see the world exactly as it is, often leading to inaccurate assumptions about reality.

What does the term 'eclectic approach' refer to in psychology?

The eclectic approach involves integrating ideas and methods from multiple psychological perspectives to understand behavior.

What is the importance of replication in psychological research?

Replication helps verify the reliability of research findings and ensures that results are not due to chance or methodological flaws.

What is the definition of psychology according to the lecture?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior, incorporating biological, social, and cultural influences. It explores various aspects including perception, emotion, cognition, motivation, and personality.

What is cognitive psychology?

____ psychology studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

What is the main focus of developmental psychology?

____ psychology examines how people grow and change throughout their lifespan.

What does the term 'psychopathology' refer to?

is the study of psychological disorders and maladaptive behaviors.

What is a placebo effect?

The placebo effect is a phenomenon where patients experience improvements in symptoms due to their belief in the treatment, not the treatment itself.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in psychology?

are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain and influence mood, perception, and behavior.

Define social psychology.

This feild of psychology explores how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by social contexts.

What is the difference between 'nature' and 'nurture'?

'Nature' refers to genetic inheritance, while 'nurture' encompasses environmental influences on an individual.

What is operant conditioning?

____ conditioning is a learning process where behavior is shaped by rewards or punishments.

What are the goals of psychological research?

The goals of psychological research include describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling behavior.

What is cognitive dissonance?

is the psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior, incorporating biological, social, and cultural influences.

Why is science important in psychology?

Science provides safeguards against biases by emphasizing empirical evidence, rigorous testing, and critical evaluation of claims.

What is psychological pseudoscience?

Psychological pseudoscience refers to practices that claim to be psychological science but lack empirical support and scientific rigor.

What draws people to pseudoscience?

People are often drawn to pseudoscience due to cognitive biases, a desire for quick solutions, and the appeal of anecdotal evidence.

What are the key features of scientific skepticism?

Scientific skepticism involves questioning claims, requiring evidence, testing assumptions, and maintaining an open but critical mindset.

What are the six principles of scientific thinking?

1. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. 2. Testing predictions. 3. Occam's Razor. 4. Replicability. 5. Ruling out rival hypotheses. 6. Correlation does not imply causation.

What are the major theoretical frameworks of psychology?

The major theoretical frameworks of psychology include biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural perspectives.

What do different types of psychologists do?

Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental disorders; counseling psychologists help with everyday issues; developmental psychologists study growth; forensic psychologists work within legal systems.

What are the two great debates that have shaped psychology?

The two great debates are the nature vs. nurture debate, which examines the influence of genetics versus environment, and the stability vs. change debate, which focuses on whether personality traits are stable or subject to change over time.

How does psychological research affect our daily lives?

Psychological research affects our daily lives by informing mental health treatments, shaping educational practices, improving workplace dynamics, and enhancing our understanding of human behavior.

What is the significance of testing predictions in scientific thinking?

Testing predictions allows researchers to validate their hypotheses and ensure that their theories are supported by evidence.

What does the principle of replicability entail in scientific research?

____ means that experimental results should be repeatable by other researchers, reinforcing the reliability of findings.

How did the behaviorist movement influence psychology?

This movement, led by figures like John B. Watson, shifted the focus of psychology from introspection to observable behavior.

Who are some key figures in the development of cognitive psychology?

Key figures in ___ psychology include Jean Piaget, Ulric Neisser, and Aaron Beck, who emphasized mental processes.

What psychological approach emphasizes the influence of socio-cultural factors?

This perspective emphasizes how social and cultural contexts influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

What role did Freud play in the development of psychoanalysis?

Sigmund Freud introduced ___emphasizing the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and personality development.

What has been a major focus of humanistic psychology?

-____psychology focuses on individual potential, self-actualization, and the importance of personal growth.

What are the main psychological approaches used today?

The main psychological approaches include cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, biological, and sociocultural.

What distinguishes the psychodynamic approach from other psychological approaches?

This approach emphasizes unconscious processes and early life experiences as key factors in personality development.

Why is an eclectic approach beneficial in psychology?

This approach allows psychologists to draw from multiple theories and techniques, providing more comprehensive treatment options.

Who is the founder of the cognitive perspective in psychology?

This perspective was founded by Jean Piaget and Ulric Neisser.

What is the scientific goal of the cognitive perspective in psychology?

This perspective aims to understand mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the cognitive perspective?

This perspective has led to the development of cognitive therapies and a focus on information processing in understanding human behavior.

Who is the founder of the behavioral perspective in psychology?

This erspective was founded by John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.

What is the scientific goal of the behavioral perspective in psychology?

This perspective seeks to explain behavior through observable actions and the influence of the environment.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the behavioral perspective?

This perspective has influenced behavior modification techniques and practices in education.

Who is the founder of the humanistic perspective in psychology?

This perspective was founded by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

What is the scientific goal of the humanistic perspective in psychology?

This aims to understand personal growth, self-actualization, and the betterment of the individual.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the humanistic perspective?

This perspective has informed client-centered therapy and emphasized the importance of empathy in therapy.

Who is the founder of the psychodynamic perspective in psychology?

This perspective was founded by Sigmund Freud.

What is the scientific goal of the psychodynamic perspective in psychology?

This perspective seeks to explore the unconscious mind and its impact on behavior and personality.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the psychodynamic perspective?

This perspective has significantly influenced psychotherapy practices and our understanding of personality development.

Who is the founder of the biological perspective in psychology?

This perspective has been influenced by Charles Darwin and Paul Broca.

What is the scientific goal of the biological perspective in psychology?

This perspective aims to understand behavior through the lenses of physiology and genetics.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the biological perspective?

This perspective has led to advances in neuropsychology and understanding the brain's role in mental processes.

Who is the founder of the sociocultural perspective in psychology?

This perspective has been influenced by Lev Vygotsky and other key figures.

What is the scientific goal of the sociocultural perspective in psychology?

This perspective seeks to understand how social and cultural contexts impact behavior and mental processes.

What is the lasting scientific influence of the sociocultural perspective?

This perspective has emphasized the examination of cultural differences and their implications in psychological research.