Psychological Perspectives and Research Methods

These flashcards cover key concepts related to psychological perspectives and various research methods discussed in class.

Psychological Perspectives

The different approaches to understanding behavior and mental processes, including Biological, Evolutionary, Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sociocultural.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Focuses on unconscious drives and early childhood experiences.

Father of Modern Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt, recognized for establishing psychology as a discipline.

Cognitive Perspective

Emphasizes mental processes such as thinking, memory, and decision making.

Behavioral Perspective

Studies observable behaviors and how they are learned.

Biological Perspective

Examines the influence of the brain, neurotransmitters, and genetics on behavior.

Sociocultural Perspective

Studies how behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures.

Evolutionary Perspective

Focuses on natural selection and adaptation in explaining behavior.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction made during the scientific method.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method that involves observing behavior in its natural environment without interference.

Case Study

A research method that gathers in-depth information about one person or a small group.

Survey

A research method that uses questionnaires or interviews to collect large amounts of data quickly.

Random Sampling

A technique used to ensure that a sample represents the population, reducing bias.

Sampling Bias

A problem that occurs when certain members of a population are more likely to be chosen for a study.

Double-Blind Procedure

A research method used to eliminate both experimenter and participant biases, where neither knows who receives the treatment.