Introduction to Psychology

A set of flashcards based on an introductory psychology lecture covering key concepts, historical roots, and major schools of thought in psychology.

What is psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

What are the key types of questions psychologists ask?

Psychologists ask questions about how genes and environments shape behavior, how organisms acquire and retain information, and what brain mechanisms influence behavior.

Who opened the first experimental psychology lab and when?

Wilhelm Wundt opened the first experimental psychology lab in 1879.

What does Structuralism attempt to analyze?

Structuralism attempts to analyze conscious experience by breaking it down into basic elements.

What is the focus of Functionalism in psychology?

Functionalism studies the purpose and function of behaviors and mental processes.

What does Behaviorism focus on?

Behaviorism focuses only on observable behavior.

What is the Psychoanalytic Perspective?

The Psychoanalytic Perspective explains how behavior and personality are influenced by unconscious processes.

What is Cross-Cultural Psychology?

Cross-Cultural Psychology compares individual and group behaviors across different cultures.

What are the main sub-areas of psychology today?

The main sub-areas are Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, Clinical, Educational, Forensic, and Industrial-organizational psychology.

What is the significance of memory in psychology?

Memory influences how we learn, remember, and interact with the world.