A. Psychology: Key Perspectives, Historical Figures, and Nature vs. Nurture Debate

What is the Nature vs. Nurture debate in psychology?

The debate centers around whether our development is influenced more by genetics (Nature) or by our environment and experiences (Nurture).

Who is considered the father of American Psychology?

William James, a supporter of Functionalism.

What did Wilhelm Wundt contribute to psychology?

He established psychology as an experimental science and conducted experiments on response times.

What is Structuralism?

A school of psychology developed by Edward Titchener that focused on the internal components of the brain and body.

What technique did Structuralists use to study consciousness?

Introspection, which involved looking inward at basic elements of conscious experience.

What is Functionalism?

A school of psychology that focused on how organisms adapt and function, influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection.

Define Empiricism

The belief that knowledge comes from experience, either through direct observation or experimentation.

What is Behaviorism?

Founded by John B. Watson, it focuses on the study of observable behavior and emphasizes learning through rewards and consequences.

What did John B. Locke mean by 'tabula rasa'?

He described the mind as a 'blank slate' that is shaped by experiences.

What is the focus of the Cognitive perspective in psychology?

It emphasizes thinking skills and cognitive processes, with key figures like Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.

What does the Biological perspective study?

It examines the brain, neurons, and nervous system, focusing on how they communicate with the body.

Who are notable figures in the Social-Cultural perspective?

Solomon Asch and Stanley Milgram, who studied the impact of social factors on behavior and personality.

What is the focus of the Evolutionary perspective?

It studies natural selection and survival, with Charles Darwin as a key figure.

What does the Psychodynamic perspective emphasize?

It focuses on unconscious conflicts and motivations, with Sigmund Freud as a prominent figure.

What is the Humanistic perspective in psychology?

It emphasizes free will and the improvement of self-esteem and self-concept, with key figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

What was a major problem with introspection?

It was inconsistent and unreliable, as participants reported different thoughts and feelings influenced by their moods.

What did Aristotle believe about the mind and body?

He believed that the mind and body are interconnected and that experiences influence the mind.

What is interactive dualism according to Rene Descartes?

The belief that the mind and body are separate entities that interact and influence each other.

What is dualism as believed by Socrates and Plato?

The belief that the mind is separate from the body and continues after death.

Who was Mary Whiton Calkins?

A student of William James who was denied a degree from Harvard but became the first woman president of the APA.

Give an example of natural selection.

Dogs growing a thicker coat of fur in winter to protect themselves from the cold.

What is the main focus of the Behavior-Genetics perspective?

It examines the Nature vs. Nurture debate, such as whether alcoholism is inherited or learned.