Introduction to Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts in psychology, including major theories, research methods, and foundational terms relevant to the field.

Psychology

The study of the mind and behavior.

Scientific Method

A method of acquiring knowledge through systematic observation and experimentation.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested.

Empirical Method

Acquiring knowledge through observation and experimentation.

Structuralism

A psychological theory developed by Edward Titchener, focused on the contents of mental processes.

Functionalism

A psychological theory established by William James, focusing on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Freud's theory that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences on behavior.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that focuses exclusively on observable behavior and disregards mental processes.

Conditioned Response

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus as a result of classical conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Id

The impulsive part of personality that operates on the pleasure principle, according to Freud.

Superego

The moral component of personality that governs behavior according to ethical standards.

Ego

The rational, decision-making part of personality that mediates between the desires of the id and the superego.

Cognitive Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Schema

Mental frameworks that help organize and interpret information.

Introspection

The process of examining one's own conscious thoughts and feelings.

Correlational Research

A type of research that examines the relationship between two variables, without manipulation.

Variable

Any factor that can be changed or measured in an experiment.

Operational Definition

A clear, concise detailed definition of a measure.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon in which a patient experiences a perceived improvement in condition due to believing they are receiving treatment.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Thalamus

The brain structure that serves as a relay station for sensory information.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and arousal.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in higher mental functions.

Gestalt Psychology

A psychological approach that emphasizes the whole over the sum of its parts in perception.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs.

Behaviors

The actions or reactions of an organism in response to external or internal stimuli.

Endocrine System

The system of glands that produce hormones regulating metabolism, growth, and other bodily functions.

Sensation

The process by which our sensory receptors and nervous system receive stimulus energies from our environment.

Perception

The process by which the brain organizes and interprets sensory information.