Introduction to Psychology - Chapter 1

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 1: What Is Psychology? Topics include definitions, behavioural types, historical foundations, scientific methods, social context, brain–mind distinctions, and emerging fields.

Psychology

The scientific study of mental processes, behaviours, and experiences in different contexts.

Mental Processes

Internal activities such as memory, problem-solving, thinking, and decision-making.

Experiences

Subjective inner events that vary from person to person.

Behaviours

Observable or unobservable actions produced by an organism.

Covert Behaviour

Behaviour that cannot be observed externally (e.g., thinking, memorising).

Overt Behaviour

Behaviour that can be observed externally (e.g., running, hitting, crying).

Wilhelm Wundt

Founder of the first psychology laboratory in 1879, Germany.

1879

Year in which the first psychology laboratory was established by Wilhelm Wundt.

Discipline of Psychology

An academic field that studies human behaviour, experience, and mental processes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Natural Science Perspective

Approach in psychology that applies methods used in physical and biological sciences.

Hypothetico-Deductive Model

Scientific method in which theories generate hypotheses that are tested to advance knowledge.

Hypothesis

A tentative answer or prediction about a problem awaiting confirmation.

Social Science Perspective

Approach in psychology that studies behaviour within socio-cultural contexts.

Socio-Cultural Environment

The prevailing cultural and social factors that shape human behaviour.

Joint Family (Indian Context)

Extended family system emphasising sharing, respect for elders, collective decision-making, and interdependence.

Nuclear Family (Western Context)

Smaller family unit fostering independence, individualism, and self-reliance.

Brain

Tangible organ made of neurons and tissue; controls bodily processes like running or blinking.

Mind

Intangible entity composed of thoughts, emotions, and beliefs; enables thinking and feeling.

Physical Damage (Brain)

Injury that affects bodily functions controlled by the brain.

Mental Damage (Mind)

Psychological harm that affects overall well-being rather than physical functions.

Psychoneuroimmunology

New discipline examining how the mind influences the immune system.

Learning Theories

Frameworks developed by psychologists to explain how learning occurs.

Memory Theories

Scientific explanations of how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved.

Attention Theories

Models describing how individuals select and focus on particular stimuli.

Behaviour in Social Context

Ways in which human actions are shaped by cultural values, family structure, and social norms.