Chapter 1

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, figures, and perspectives from the notes across Chapters 1–6, suitable for quick review and memorization.

Describe, explain, predict, control

The four goals of psychology: describe behavior, explain causes, predict likely outcomes, and control or guide behavior.

Red flags

Warning signs in a person that indicate potential risk, suggesting a need for intervention or monitoring.

Interactive dualism

Descartes' idea that the mind and body are separate yet can interact; the mind is not simply reducible to bodily processes.

Nature vs nurture

The debate about whether genetics (nature) or environment and experiences (nurture) primarily shape development.

Wilhelm Bunt

Early founder of psychology; wrote the first psychology textbook (1874) and established one of the first psychology labs.

Structuralism

An early psychology approach that sought to understand the conscious mind by breaking it into basic elements via introspection.

Introspection

A method of self-examination of conscious thoughts and feelings to reveal mental structures; often limited by subjectivity.

Functionalism

A early school of psychology focused on the purpose and function of mental processes and behavior, emphasizing what they do for the organism.

Psychoanalysis

Therapeutic and theoretical approach founded by Freud, emphasizing unconscious conflicts and drives as roots of behavior.

Unconscious conflicts

Desires or motivations outside conscious awareness that psychoanalysis posits influence behavior.

Humanistic psychology

A perspective emphasizing conscious experience, self-direction, personal growth, and intrinsic worth.

Positive psychology

Field studying factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, often highlighting strengths and positive practices.

Biological perspective

View that behavior arises from brain, nervous system, hormones, and other physiological processes.

Cognitive perspective

Focus on mental processes such as memory, perception, language, and problem solving.

Evolutionary perspective

Idea that many behaviors have roots in our evolutionary past and may have been adaptive for ancestors.

Snake or spider (evolutionary holdovers)

A demonstration of how phylogenetically old fears (e.g., snakes, spiders) persist due to evolutionary history.

Clinical psychologist

A psychologist with a PhD or PsyD who conducts assessment and therapy; typically does not prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who can prescribe medications and may provide medical management for mental health issues.

Therapist

A professional who provides psychotherapy and treatment planning, focusing on behavior change and coping strategies.

Industrial-Organizational psychology (I-O Psychology)

A field applying psychology to work settings to improve productivity, motivation, and employee well-being; involves data analysis and organizational consulting.

Scientific method

A systematic, objective approach to research that involves forming hypotheses, testing them, and drawing conclusions with controlled variables.

Power pose

A concept from positive psychology suggesting that adopting a confident posture can temporarily boost confidence or performance.