History of Psychology

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the history and development of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Psychology

The scientific study of mind and behavior.

Historical roots of Psychology

Psychology is a relatively new science, but the study of mind and behavior dates back to ancient times.

Hippocrates

An ancient Greek physician who developed the world’s first personality classification.

Phrenology

The study of localization of brain function through the examination of the skull.

Phineas Gage

An individual whose frontal lobe damage led to impulsivity, providing insights into brain function.

Structuralism

A school of thought that attempts to analyze conscious experience by breaking it down into basic elements.

Functionalism

The study of the purpose and function of behaviors and mental processes.

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective that studies only observable behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

A field that focuses on mental processes and their role in understanding human behavior.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Attempts to explain how behavior and personality are influenced by unconscious processes.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

A field that draws comparisons about individual and group behaviors across different cultures.

WEIRD

An acronym that denotes cultures that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic.

Basic Research

Research that aims to increase the understanding of fundamental principles.

Applied Research

Research that seeks to solve practical problems in real-world settings.

Translational Research

Research that aims to translate findings from basic science to practical applications.

Localization of Brain Function

The concept that specific areas of the brain are responsible for specific functions.

Evolutionary Influence

The idea that behaviors are shaped by natural selection.

Impulsivity in Psychology

A behavior often studied in relation to brain injuries, particularly in cases like Phineas Gage.

Integration of Mental Processes

The perspective adopted by cognitive psychologists in the 1950s and 1960s to better understand behavior.

Discipline of Psychology

A field that encompasses various approaches, including basic, applied, and translational research.