Unit 0: History and Scientific Practices of Psychology

Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes of humans and animals.

Behavior

Any observable and measurable action taken by a person or other animal.

Mental Processes

Internal, subjective experiences inferred from behavior, such as sensations, perceptions, and thoughts.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology focused on identifying the elements of thought and mind structures.

Introspection

The process of looking inward to observe one’s own psychological processes.

Functionalism

A psychological approach that emphasizes the functions of consciousness and how it helps organisms adapt.

Behaviorism

A perspective in psychology that focuses on observable behavior rather than unseen mental processes.

Psychoanalysis

A treatment process developed by Freud that emphasizes the influence of unconscious forces and childhood experiences on behavior.

Humanism

A psychological perspective that studies personal growth and the potential of humans, rejecting behaviorism and psychoanalysis.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes, including perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Nature vs Nurture

The debate over whether behavior and mental processes are determined by genetics (nature) or environment and experience (nurture).

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how behaviors and mental processes have evolved through natural selection.

Behavior Genetics

The study of the relative influence of genetic and environmental factors on behavior.

WEIRD Cultures

Refers to Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic cultures, highlighting the limitations of cultural studies.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of human flourishing and the promotion of strengths and virtues.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Understanding behavior and mental processes from biological, psychological, and social-cultural perspectives.

Cognitive Psychologists

Professionals who study human thinking and may work in academia or corporate settings.

Developmental Psychologists

Researchers who study behavioral changes across the lifespan.

Educational Psychologists

Specialists who examine learning processes in various environments.

Experimental Psychologists

Researchers who conduct experiments to understand behaviors and mental processes.

Psychometric Psychologists

Experts who use statistics to create and interpret psychological tests.

Social Psychologists

Researchers who study interactions and group influences on individuals.

Forensic Psychologists

Professionals who apply psychology to legal issues and criminal cases.

Environmental Psychologists

Researchers who study the impact of surroundings on behavior.

Health Psychologists

Specialists focused on promoting health and preventing disease.

I/O Psychologists

Professionals who study the relationship between people and work environments.

Neuropsychologists

Experts who study the brain's impact on behavior and cognition.

Rehabilitation Psychologists

Specialists who assist individuals recovering from accidents or illnesses.

School Psychologists

Professionals who support students facing learning-related challenges.

Sports Psychologists

Experts who help athletes enhance their performance.

Clinical Psychologists

Professionals who promote psychological health and may specialize in specific disorders.

Community Psychologists

Researchers who focus on larger groups and crisis management.

Counseling Psychologists

Specialists who assist individuals in coping with life changes.

Socrates and Plato

knowledge in innate

Aristotle

knowledge is NOT innate

Renee Descartes

agreed with Socrates

Francis Bacon

founder of modern sciencee

-empiricism

John Locke

-tabula rasa

Wilheim Wundt

first psychologist

Edward Titchener

-structuralism

-introspection

Charles Darwin

natural selection

-evolutionary psychology

William James

-functionalism

Mary Whiton Calkins

-student of James

-studied memory

-denied her PhD due to her gender

Margaret Floy Washburn

-student of Titchener

-first female to earn PhD

John B Watson and BF Skinner

-behaviorism

Sigmund Freud

-psychoanalysis

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

-humanism

Ulric Neisser

-cognitive psychology

Martin Seligman

-positive psychology