Ch 1 Vid 2 History of Psychology

Nativist School of Thought

The belief that all abilities and knowledge are inherent and can be unlocked through experiences or discussions.

Empiricist School of Thought

The belief that knowledge is acquired through experience and that individuals learn over time.

Law of Similarity

A principle stating that things that are alike or similar tend to become associated with one another.

Law of Contrast

A principle stating that things that are opposite tend to get associated with one another.

Law of Contiguity

A principle indicating that things that occur close together in time tend to be associated.

Law of Frequency

A rule suggesting that things that occur together frequently tend to get associated.

Mind-Body Dualism

The concept proposed by Descartes that suggests a separation between the mind and body, implying that some behaviors arise from the mind while others are reflexive and originate from the body.

Tabula Rasa

John Locke's theory that individuals are born with a 'blank slate' mind, meaning they have no inherent knowledge or abilities.

Introspection

A method proposed by Wundt for studying the mind, where individuals are trained to observe and report their conscious experiences as they occur.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that focuses on observable behaviors rather than the internal mental state.

Selective Pressure

Environmental factors that reduce reproductive success, contributing to evolutionary change.

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals or species adapt to selective pressures, enhancing their chances of reproduction.

Evolutionary Adaptation

Traits developed in response to selective pressures through the process of natural selection.