Ch 1 Introduction Psychology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the 'Ch 1 Introduction Psychology' lecture notes, including definitions of psychology, major schools of thought, key figures, and subfields.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Wilhelm Wundt (Structuralism)

One of the founders of psychology, who focused on the structure and characteristics of the mind and used introspection.

Introspection

A method used in structuralism for examining conscious experience by breaking it into parts.

William James (Functionalism)

The first U.S. psychologist, who studied the function of cognitive processes and emphasized why mental activities contribute to basic survival.

Functionalism

A school of psychology emphasizing the purpose or function of mental activities rather than their structure.

Gestalt Psychology

A school of psychology proposing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, applied to sensation, perception, and group dynamics.

Behaviorism

A school of psychology, associated with Pavlov and Watson, that focuses on observable behavior and how organisms unconsciously respond to stimuli and can be conditioned.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process described by Pavlov and Watson, where organisms unconsciously respond to stimuli and learn to respond to different stimuli over time.

Reinforcement and Punishment

Mechanisms in behaviorism by which behavior is influenced and modified by its consequences.

Humanism

A school of psychological thought suggesting that human needs motivate behavior, with higher-level needs motivating behavior when basic needs are met.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A model within humanism illustrating how human needs, from physiological to self-actualization, motivate behavior.

Carl Rogers

A key figure in humanism who developed client-centered therapy, emphasizing unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.

Client-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach within humanism, developed by Carl Rogers, based on unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.

Cognitive Revolution

A shift in the 1950s where linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science emerged, making the mind the new focus of psychology.

Noam Chomsky

A key figure in the Cognitive Revolution who believed psychology should consider mental functioning to fully understand human behavior.

Biopsychology

The study of how the structure and function of the nervous system generate behavior, including topics like brain plasticity and sleep.

Sensation

The physiological aspects of sensory systems and the input of sensory information (sights, sounds, touch, smell).

Perception

Our psychological experience of sensory information or our experience of the world.

Developmental Psychology

The study of what changes or stays the same as a function of age, including moral reasoning, cognitive skills, and social skills.

Jean Piaget

A notable figure in developmental psychology known for his theories on cognitive development.

Personality Psychology

Focuses on behaviors and thought patterns unique to each individual, studying conscious and unconscious thinking and identifying personality traits.

Five Factor Model

A model used in personality psychology to identify and describe personality traits.

Social Psychology

The study of our interactions and relationships with others, including topics like prejudice, attraction, interpersonal conflicts, and obedience.

Health Psychology

Examines how our health is influenced by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Biopsychosocial Model

A model suggesting that health and illness are determined by biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

Clinical Psychology

Involves the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic patterns of behavior, often through clinical therapy and counseling.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

An example of a therapeutic approach used in clinical psychology.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Applies psychological theories and research to employment settings, covering areas like personnel recruitment, performance appraisal, and organizational culture.

Sports & Exercise Psychology

Focuses on psychological aspects regarding sports and physical performance, including motivation, performance-related anxiety, and general mental well-being.

Forensic Psychology

Applies psychological principles to law, involving assessing competency to stand trial, sentencing recommendations, and expert testimony, requiring an understanding of the legal system.