General Psychology

flashcards on gen. psychology and a brief overview on psychological theories

How has the definition of psychology changed over time?

Psychology was originally the 'study of the soul,' but is now defined as the science of behavior and mental processes.

Were structuralist ideas used in different areas of psychology?

Yes, structuralist ideas focused on introspection and were briefly influential but largely fell away in favor of other theories.

How did Freud's breakthrough influence other types of psychology?

Freud's theory of psychoanalysis revolutionized psychology, introducing concepts like unconscious motives and influencing psychodynamic theories.

Sigmund Freud

An influential yet controversial thinker who introduced the theory of psychoanalysis, emphasizing the role of the unconscious in shaping personality.

Psychoanalysis

A theory that explores hidden desires and memories using therapies to help individuals understand how these affect them.

Wilhelm Wundt

The founder of modern psychology, who established the first psychological lab in 1879 and shifted psychology from philosophy to a formal science.

Structuralism

A school of thought that relied on introspection to explore the structure of the mind, primarily associated with Edward Titchener.

William James

A psychologist who proposed functionalism, focusing on how mental and behavioral processes help individuals adapt to their environments.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach driven by Ivan Pavlov and B.F. Skinner, focused on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.

Why is psychology important?

It is an integrative science that provides various methods to answer complex questions about the human mind and behavior.

What is functionalism?

A psychological approach that explores how mental and behavioral processes function and adapt, inspired by Darwin's evolutionary ideas.

Humanist psychology

A psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

What was a major contribution of early Chinese rulers to psychology?

They created the world’s first IQ tests, contributing to the early development of psychological assessment.