Introduction to Psychology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, theorists, perspectives, and models from the introductory psychology lecture.

Psychology

The scientific study of mental processes and behavior.

Scientific Method (in psychology)

A systematic, evidence-based procedure for collecting and analyzing data.

Aristotle

Greek philosopher who combined logic with empirical observation to study human behavior.

Empirical Observations

Evidence-based observations gathered through the senses or experimentation.

René Descartes

Philosopher known for “I think, therefore I am,” who proposed interactive dualism.

Interactive Dualism

Descartes’ idea that mind and body are separate yet interact to produce experience.

Wilhelm Wundt

Founded the first psychology lab and defined psychology as the study of consciousness.

Structuralism

Early school focusing on introspection to analyze basic components of consciousness.

Introspection

Self-observation technique used to examine one’s own conscious experiences.

Edward Titchener

Psychologist who developed and popularized structuralism.

Functionalism

School that studies how behavior and thought help organisms adapt and survive.

William James

First American psychologist; leading figure in developing functionalism.

Sigmund Freud

Founder of psychoanalysis, emphasizing unconscious influences from past events.

Psychoanalysis

Approach focusing on unconscious motives and early experiences shaping behavior.

Behaviorism

Perspective asserting psychology should study observable behavior, not mental events.

John Watson

Psychologist who founded behaviorism and emphasized observable behavior.

Ivan Pavlov

Physiologist whose dog experiments demonstrated classical conditioning.

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist known for research on operant conditioning and reinforcement.

Humanistic Psychology

Perspective stressing free will, self-determination, and personal growth.

Carl Rogers

Humanistic psychologist who emphasized client-centered therapy and self-concept.

Abraham Maslow

Humanistic psychologist who proposed the Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Model outlining ascending levels from physiological needs to self-actualization.

Biological Perspective

View that behavior is explained by brain structures, neurotransmitters, and genetics.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Perspective focusing on unconscious drives and early childhood conflicts.

Behavioral Perspective

Approach explaining behavior through learning principles such as conditioning.

Humanistic Perspective

Approach emphasizing personal growth, choice, and the search for meaning.

Five-Factor Model (Big Five)

Trait theory measuring personality on neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.

Neuroticism

Big Five trait reflecting emotional instability and tendency toward anxiety.

Agreeableness

Big Five trait describing friendliness, compassion, and cooperativeness.

Extraversion

Big Five trait indicating sociability, energy, and assertiveness.

Stanley Milgram Experiment

Study on obedience showing participants would administer shocks under authority pressure.

Bio-Psycho-Social Model

Framework viewing health and illness as products of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Treatment focusing on how thoughts (cognition) influence behaviors and emotions.

Cognition

Mental processes such as thinking, memory, and perception.

Psychologist

Professional with a PhD/PsyD who diagnoses and treats psychological disorders, mainly via therapy.

Psychiatrist

Medical doctor specializing in mental disorders who can prescribe medication.