General Psychology Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts in psychology, including its history, schools of thought, and modern fields.

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of the mind and behavior, exploring how people think, feel, and act individually and in groups.

Why is studying Psychology useful?

It helps to learn critical thinking and communication skills and develop an understanding of the complex factors that shape human behavior. It is also useful in all fields of work and can open doors to a variety of career paths.

Who were Plato and Aristotle?

Early figures in the origins of psychology, around 300 B.C.

Who was René Descartes?

A Renaissance figure important in the history of psychology.

Who was Wilhelm Wundt and what is he known for?

He established the first psychology laboratory in 1879, marking a key moment in the history of psychology.

According to Plato, what are the three parts of the psyche?

Logistikon, epithumetikon, and thumoeides.

What is Cartesian Dualism?

The belief that the mind and body are distinct.

What is Structuralism?

A school of thought that posits all psychological processes are made of basic elements.

Who founded Structuralism and what method did they use?

Edward Titchener founded Structuralism and used introspection as a method.

What is Functionalism?

A school of thought that views consciousness as a continuous and changing mental process.

Who was William James and what did he emphasize?

He was a key figure in Functionalism and emphasized how mental activities helped an organism adapt to its environment.

Who was Sigmund Freud?

The founding father of psychoanalysis, who focused on the role of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories.

What is behaviorism?

A branch of psychology that studies observable behavior, attempting to make psychology more scientific.

Who was Ivan Pavlov?

A physiologist who studied classical conditioning in dogs and contributed to behaviorism.

What does cognitive psychology study?

The study of internal mental processes such as perception, thinking, memory, and judgment.

What do cognitive psychologists study?

They study perception, decision-making, and problem-solving, often using brain imaging tools like MRI.

What are some modern fields of psychology?

Developmental psychology, social psychology, and cognitive psychology.