Psychology 2e Chapter 1

Psychology

the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Scientific Method

steps used by psychologists to acquire knowledge

Hypothesis

tentative explanation about how or why something happens

theory

the best understanding we have of that part of the natural world

observations

information gather by carrying out an experiment to test hypothesis

Steps of the Scientific Method

observation, hypothesis, experiment, conclusion

empirical

based on measurable data

empirical method

based on observation, including experimentation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities

late 1800s

when psychology became accepted as its own academic discipline

social

psychology is a ______ science

psychology

one of the most popular majors in the United States

6

____% of all bachelors degrees in the US are awarded to psychology majors

Wilhelm Wundt

first psychologist

1873

Principles of Psychological Psychology published in ______ by Wundt

introspection

examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

structuralism

early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind

reaction times

Wundt experimented a lot on

one thousandth

Wundt measured reaction time to ________________ of a second

functionalism

focused on how mental activities helped an organism fit into its environment. by William James

Sigmund Freud

Austrian physician whose work focused on the unconscious causes of behavior and personality formation; founded psychoanalysis.

psychoanalytic theory

focuses on the role of a person's unconscious, as well as early childhood experiences, and this particular perspective dominated clinical psychology for several decades

Psychoanalysis

the patient talking about their experiences and selves, while not invented by Freud, was certainly popularized by him and is still used today.

Gestalt Psychology

the whole is greater than the sum of its parts

Pavlov

Classical conditioning: dogs

Behaviorism

shifting the focus of psychology from the mind to behavior, and this approach of observing and controlling behavior

Humanism

perspective within psychology that emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization

unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy

Rogers believed that a therapist needed to display three features to maximize the effectiveness of this particular approach:

Cognitive Psychology

1967, Ulric Neisser published the first textbook entitled

American Psychological Association (APA)

the largest organization of psychologists in the world, and its mission is to advance and disseminate psychological knowledge for the betterment of people.

Association for Psychological Science (APS)

professional group of academic and research psychologists founded in 1988

Biopsychology

how our biology influences our behavior

cognitive psychology

area of psychology that focuses on studying cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationship to our experiences and our actions.

Developmental psychology

scientific study of development across a lifespan.

Personality psychology

focuses on patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique.

personality traits

identifiable characteristics that define a person

Social psychology

focuses on how we interact with and relate to others.

Industrial-Organizational psychology

subfield of psychology that applies psychological theories, principles, and research findings in industrial and organizational settings.

Health psychology

focuses on how health is affected by the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

biopsychosocial model

sport and exercise psychology

study the psychological aspects of sport performance, including motivation and performance anxiety, and the effects of sport on mental and emotional wellbeing.

Clinical psychology

focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior.

Counseling psychology

focuses on emotional, social, vocational, and health-related outcomes in individuals who are considered psychologically healthy.

Forensic psychology

field that blends psychology, law, and criminal justice

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

dissertation

a long research paper or bundled published articles describing research that was conducted as a part of the candidate's doctoral training.

postdoctoral training programs

allows young scientists to further develop their research programs and broaden their research skills under the supervision of other professionals in the field

PsyD

Doctor of Psychology