Chapter 1: What is Psychology?

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Critical thinking

The process of reflecting deeply, asking questions, and evaluating evidence.

Skepticism

Questioning assumptions and demanding evidence before accepting claims.

Objectivity

Viewing things as they really are without bias.

Curiosity

The drive to ask questions and seek new knowledge.

Wilhelm Wundt

Founded the first psychology lab in 1879; structuralism and introspection.

Structuralism

Approach focused on identifying structures of the mind through introspection.

William James

Founder of functionalism; focused on purposes of the mind and behavior.

Functionalism

Approach emphasizing the functions of mental processes and behavior for adaptation.

Charles Darwin

Introduced natural selection, influencing psychology’s evolutionary perspective.

Sigmund Freud

Founded the psychodynamic approach; emphasized unconscious drives and childhood.

Psychodynamic approach

Focus on unconscious thoughts, conflicts, and early family experiences.

Behavioral approach

Focus on observable behavior and environmental determinants (Pavlov, Watson, Skinner).

Humanistic approach

Focus on positive qualities, free will, and personal growth (Rogers, Maslow).

Cognitive approach

Focus on mental processes such as memory, perception, and problem-solving.

Biological approach

Focus on brain, nervous system, and genetics as basis of behavior.

Evolutionary approach

Explains behavior through adaptation, reproduction, and natural selection.

Sociocultural approach

Focus on how culture and society influence behavior and mental processes.

Positive psychology

Study of human strengths, well-being, and flourishing.

Mary Whiton Calkins

First woman president of the APA.

Charles Henry Turner

First Black American to conduct psychological research.

Inez Beverly Prosser

First Black American woman to earn a PhD in psychology.

Mind-body connection

Interaction of psychological processes and physical health.

Careers in psychology

Practice and applied work, research, and teaching.