Psychology 2e Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used in scientific study

Observation

Information obtained through the senses

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for an observation

Experiment

A means to verify a hypothesis

Theory

An explanation of a natural phenomena that stems from a extensively tested and verified hypothesis

Scientific Law

A concise statement that seeks to explain a wide range of natural phenomena

Empirical

Based on observation or experimentation

Empirical Method

A method in which knowledge is acquired from observation and experiments, rather than arguments or previous authorities

Wilhem Wundt (1832-1920)

The founder of psychology as a scientific study. Brought about the movement of Structuralism to psychology

Wundt's Goal of Psychology

To identify the components of consciousness and how those components result in the conscious experience

Introspection

A method of self-observation in which the subject examines their conscious experience as objectively as possible

Voluntarism

A philosophical belief that humans possess free will and should know if they are participating in an experiment

Structuralism

A school of psychology that aimed to identify the contents of mental processes (components) rather than the processes' function (whole).

William James (1842-1910)

The first American psychologist who introduced Darwinian concepts to the study of psychology

James' Goal of Psychology

To examine the mind in its whole, rather than focusing on individual components

Functualism

A school of psychology focused on how certain mental activities help an organism fit into its environment

Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)

An Austrian neurologist who founded the school of psychoanalysis within the study of psychology

Freud's Goal of Psychology

To examine the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in the human mind

Max Wertheimer (1880-1943), Kurt Koffka (1886-1941), and Wolfgang Kohler (1887-1967)

Three German psychologists who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century, bringing with them the Gestalt principles of psychology

Gestalt Goal of Psychology

To examine how the components of the human mind relate to the whole and how the components result in a objectively unique whole

Gestalt Psychology

A school of psychology concerned with the sensory experience and how they innately relate back to the whole mind, and how the mind perceives and processes that relation

Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)

A Russian physiologist famous for his research into conditioned and learned behaviors.

John B. Watson (1878-1958)

An American psychologist whose work centered on understanding observable behavior and controlling said behavior

B.F Skinner (1904-1990)

An American psychologist who focused on the nature of consequences, particularly reinforcement and punishment, on behavior

Goals of Behaviorism

To study observable behavior, in particular learning behavior and inborn qualities

Behaviorism

A school of psychology that shifted the focus from the subjective unconscious to the objective and observable behavior of organisms

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

An American psychologist famous of developing a hierarchy of human needs in terms of motivating behavior

Carl Rogers (1902-1987)

An American psychologist who emphasized the role of the patient over the clinician in the context of psychological therapies

Goals of Humanism

To forgo the previously deterministic nature of psychology in favor of a more empathetic approach

Humanism

A school of psychology focused on the potential of innate good in humans and personal autonomy

Noam Chomsky

American linguist who influenced the growth of cognitive science and psychology

Biopsychology

Psychology specialty that studies the interaction of biology, behavior, and mental processes

Evolutionary Psychology

Psychology specialty that studies the ultimate biological causes behind behavior and mental processes

Sensation and Perception

Psychology specialty focused on perception and sensation of external stimuli

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on studying cognitions and their relationship to an individual's actions and experiences

Developmental Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on psychological development over a human lifespan

Personality Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on the development of patterns of thoughts and how they might influence behavior

Social Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on how individuals interact with and relate to others

I/O Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on the application of psychological principles and theories to industrial settings

Health Psychology

Psychology specialty focused on how physical health can be impacted by psychological and social factors

American Psychological Association (APA)

An organization that represents psychologists in the United States. It was founded in 1892.