Psychology 2000 Exam 1

What is Psychology?

Psychology refers to the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Define Behavior in Psychology.

Behavior encompasses anything an organism does, such as yawning, taking notes, or looking bored.

What is the Mind in Psychology?

The Mind consists of internal, personal experiences that we infer from behavior, including sensations, perceptions, dreams, and feelings.

What is a Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an educated guess to explain something that needs to be tested.

What is the difference between a Theory and a Hypothesis?

A theory is a set of statements that explain a phenomenon while a hypothesis is a testable prediction implied by a theory.

What is the Empirical Method?

The Empirical Method is a way of answering questions based on observation and experimentation.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical Thinking involves not blindly accepting conclusions, but rather questioning and analyzing information.

What are the three characteristics of a critical thinker?

Curiosity, Skepticism, and Humility.

Who are two important researchers associated with Structuralism?

Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener.

What is Structuralism in Psychology?

Structuralism focuses on the contents of mental processes rather than their functions.

What is Introspection?

Introspection is the process of examining one's own conscious experience objectively.

What is Functionalism?

Functionalism focuses on how mental activities help an organism fit into its environment.

Who influenced Functionalism in Psychology?

William James and Charles Darwin.

What is Psychoanalytic Theory?

Psychoanalytic Theory focuses on the role of a person's unconscious and early childhood experiences.

Who was an important researcher associated with Psychoanalytic Theory?

Sigmund Freud.

What is the principle of Gestalt Psychology?

The principle summarizes that the whole is different from the sum of its parts.

What does Behaviorism emphasize?

Behaviorism emphasizes that psychology should focus on observable behavior.

What perspective in psychology emphasizes the potential good in humans?

Humanism.

Who are two important researchers associated with Humanism?

Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

What is Cognitive Psychology?

Cognitive Psychology studies cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationship to behavior.

What is the Biopsychosocial Model?

The Biopsychosocial Model considers biological, psychological, and social factors when explaining human cognition and behavior.

What is the role of the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

The CNS is responsible for processing information and coordinating the responses of the body.

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another.

What is the importance of ethics in psychological research?

Ethics ensures the protection of participants' rights and welfare during research.

What determines the role of a hormone versus a neurotransmitter?

Whether a chemical is considered a hormone or neurotransmitter depends on its location in the body and its function.

What is the primary function of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is often called the master gland because it releases hormones that affect many bodily functions and other glands.