Introduction to Psychology: Key Concepts and Approaches

Psychology

Scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Goals of Psychology

Measure, describe, explain, predict, control behavior.

William Wundt

First psychologist; founded structuralism in Germany.

Structuralism

Explores structural elements of the human mind.

William James

Pioneer of functionalism; focused on adaptive functions.

Functionalism

Studies mental processes' role in adaptation and survival.

John Watson

Behaviorist; emphasized observable behavior over mental processes.

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist; studied behavior shaped by consequences.

Sigmund Freud

Psychoanalyst; emphasized unconscious influences on behavior.

Neurobiological Approach

Explains behavior via nervous system and chemicals.

Psychodynamic Approach

Focuses on unconscious drives and emotional conflicts.

Behaviorism

Objective science studying observable behavior only.

Cognitive Approach

Behavior influenced by information processing in the brain.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes personal growth and individual potential.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors.

Critical Thinking

Evaluates arguments and assumptions critically.

Hindsight Bias

Feeling of knowing outcome beforehand.

Overconfidence

Excessive confidence in one's knowledge or predictions.

Descriptive Methods

Observes and describes behavior without manipulation.

Correlational Research

Examines relationships between variables without causation.

Experimental Research

Manipulates variables to establish cause-effect relationships.

Random Assignment

Assigns participants randomly to control bias.

Control Group

Group not exposed to treatment for comparison.

Independent Variable (IV)

Manipulated factor in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

Outcome factor measured in response to IV.

Correlation

Measure of how two factors vary together.

Correlation Coefficient

Statistical index indicating strength and direction of relationship.

Random Sample

Sample that fairly represents a population.

Operational Definition

Procedures defining research variables and methods.

Research Ethics

Guidelines ensuring ethical treatment of subjects.