Psychology Chapter 1

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Behavior

Any action that can be directly observed.

Mental processes

Internal activities in the mind that aren’t directly observable.

Dualism

The idea that thoughts and ideas can exist separately from the mind.

Rene Descartes

Investigated the connection between mind and body through animal dissection.

John Locke

Proposed that the mind at birth is a blank slate; early empiricism.

Wilhelm Wundt

Believed the mind could be examined scientifically and objectively.

Edward Titchener

Associated with structuralism and introspection.

William James

Founder of functionalism, influenced by Darwin's theory of adaptation.

Gestalt psychology

Focuses on how people organize information into wholes, associated with Max Wertheimer.

Freud

Foundation of the psychodynamic approach and psychoanalysis.

John B

Developed the behavioral approach, focusing on observable behavior.

Applied behavior analysis

Application of learning principles to solve real-world problems.

Humanistic approach

We’re born inherently good and mental disorders are from a deviation of this natural tendency

Cognitive approach

Studies the workings of the brain and information processing.

Biological approach

Examines biological bases of behavior and nervous system structure.

Evolutionary approach

Explores how human behavior has evolved for survival, based on Darwin.

Sociocultural perspective

Focuses on social and cultural influences on behavior.

Eclectic approach

Combines multiple perspectives and theories for understanding behavior.

Clinical psychologists

Diagnose and treat people, typically holding a doctoral degree.

Applied psychologists

Use psychological theory to address real-world problems.

Academic psychologists

Engage in teaching and research, often in competitive environments.

Hindsight bias

The belief that one knew something all along, leading to overconfidence in predictions.

False consensus effect

Tendency to overestimate how much others share our beliefs or behaviors.

Scientific method

A systematic process for conducting objective inquiry.

Critical thinking

A method of processing information that involves questioning evidence and motives.

Descriptive study

Observes and describes behaviors without investigating variable relationships.

Naturalistic observation

Studying subjects in their natural environment, with potential reactivity issues.

Observer bias

When an observer's expectations influence their observations.

Laboratory study

Controlled environment for data collection, but may lack real-world applicability.

Case study

In-depth study of one or a few individuals, providing unique insights but limited generalizability.

Survey

A series of questions about behaviors or opinions, can include self-report questionnaires and interviews.

Random sampling

Ensures every individual has an equal chance of being included in a study.

Correlational studies

Measure the degree of relationship between two variables without manipulation.

Correlation does not equal causation

A reminder that correlation does not imply one variable causes another.

Experiments

Research method that manipulates variables to determine causality.

Confederate

An actor in an experiment who knows the study's aim.

Operational definition

A precise definition of variables and how they will be measured.

Confounding variable

An extraneous variable that could affect the dependent variable.

Single blind experiment

Participants are unaware of their group assignment to reduce bias.

Double blind experiment

Both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments to eliminate bias.

Ethics in research

Guidelines to ensure informed consent, minimize harm, and protect confidentiality.