Chapter 1: The Evolution of Psychology Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Structuralism

A school of thought established by Wilhelm Wundt that focuses on breaking down mental processes into their component parts.

Functionalism

A school of thought that emphasizes the function or purpose of consciousness rather than its structure, pioneered by William James.

Behaviorism

The study of observable, measurable behavior, emphasizing the role of environmental factors over heredity.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge, emphasizing information processing.

Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychology

Focuses on the unconscious and early childhood experiences in understanding behavior and mental disorders.

Humanism

A perspective that emphasizes the unique qualities of humans, including free will and self-actualization.

Evolutionary Psychology

Examines behavioral processes in terms of their adaptive value for members of a species over generations.

Cultual Psychology

Interest in cultural variables and their impact on psychological principles, expanding beyond Western-focused approaches.

Developmental Psychology

The study of consistent patterns of growth and change throughout the life cycle, encompassing physical, personality, social, and cognitive development.

Social Psychology

The study of social interactions and the influence of social forces on behavior.

Research Method: Descriptive

A method used to determine if there is a link between variables without establishing cause and effect.

Research Method: Experimental

A method that allows researchers to establish cause and effect relationships.

Correlation Coefficient (r)

A statistical measure that represents the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables where an increase in one variable leads to an increase in the other.

Negative Correlation

A relationship where an increase in one variable leads to a decrease in the other.

No Correlation

A situation where there is no relationship between two variables.

Operational Definition

Describes the actions or observations used to measure or control a variable.

Critical Thinking

The process of analyzing and evaluating an issue in order to form a judgment.

Empirical Methods

Research methods based on observation and experimentation.

Neuroscience

A perspective in psychology that studies the influence of biological factors on behavior.

Psychometrics

The measurement of psychological traits, abilities, and characteristics.

Clinical Psychology

The evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with psychological disorders.

Counseling Psychology

Similar to clinical psychology but focuses on everyday living problems and adjustment issues.