PSYCH FINAL

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Empirical Method

A method for acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation.

Introspection

A process by which someone examines their own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

Structuralism

A theoretical perspective in psychology that seeks to understand the conscious experience through introspection.

Functionalism

A psychological approach that focuses on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory that focuses on the role of the unconscious in affecting behavior, particularly during early childhood development.

Classical Conditioning

A process by which we learn to associate one stimulus with another.

Operant Conditioning

A type of learning where organisms learn to associate a behavior and its consequences.

Neurons

The essential units of the nervous system responsible for all tasks.

Consciousness

Awareness of internal and external stimuli.

Sensation

The detection of physical energy emitted or reflected by physical objects.

Perception

The process by which sensory information is organized, interpreted, and consciously experienced.

Cognitive Psychology

The field that studies how thoughts relate to experiences and behavior.

Developmental Psychology

The study of patterns of growth and change occurring throughout a person's life.

Phobias

Excessive, distressing, and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation.

DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

A classification system used by mental health professionals in the US to categorize and describe psychological disorders.

Anti-depressant

Medications used to increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy that aims to change cognitive distortions and self-defeating behaviors.

Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow's proposed ranking of human needs from the most basic to the more complex.

Client-Centered Therapy

A therapeutic approach emphasizing the client's role in their own healing process.

Reinforcement

A consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Longitudinal Study

Research that follows the same group of individuals repeatedly over an extended period.

Attachment

A long-standing connection or bond with others.

What is Psychology?

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

What does the term 'Psychology' derive from?

Psych- refers to soul or mind, and ology refers to the scientific study of.

What is the Empirical Method?

A method for acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation.

Who is Wilhelm Wundt?

The psychologist who founded psychology as a scientific study of conscious experience, emphasizing introspection.

What is Introspection?

A process by which someone examines their own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

Who developed Structuralism?

Edward Titchener, a student of Wundt, who focused on understanding conscious experience through introspection.

What is Structuralism in Psychology?

A theoretical perspective that focuses on understanding the contents of mental processes rather than their function.

Who is William James?

The first American psychologist who significantly changed the scientific study of consciousness.

What is Functionalism?

A psychological approach that focuses on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.

Who is Sigmund Freud?

The founder of Psychoanalytic Theory, emphasizing the role of the unconscious in affecting behavior.

What are Phobias?

Excessive, distressing, and persistent fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation.

What is the Unconscious mind according to Freud?

The part of our mind where we push down our dark desires.

What is Psychoanalytic Theory?

A theory focusing on the role of the unconscious in affecting behavior, particularly in early childhood development.

What phenomena did Kohler, Koffka, and Wertheimer study?

Gestalt Psychology, which emphasizes that sensory experiences can be broken down into individual parts.

What is Classical Conditioning?

A process by which we learn to associate one stimulus with another.

What is Behaviorism?

A psychological approach focusing on observing and controlling behavior.

Who is John Watson?

The father of behaviorism, known for the Little Albert study that demonstrated phobias can be learned.

Who is B.F. Skinner?

A behavioral psychologist known for his work on how behavior is affected by consequences.

What is Humanism in Psychology?

An approach that emphasizes the innate potential for good in all humans.

Who is Carl Rogers?

A psychologist known for client-centered therapy, emphasizing unconditional positive regard.

What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

A proposed ranking of human needs from the most basic to more complex.

What does Biopsychology study?

The structure and function of the nervous system that generates behavior.

What does Evolutionary Psychology focus on?

How human behavior is a result of psychological adaptations for survival.

What are Sensation and Perception?

Sensation is the detection of physical energy, while perception is how sensory information is organized and interpreted.

What is Cognitive Psychology?

The field studying how thoughts relate to experiences and behavior.

What does Developmental Psychology examine?

Patterns of growth and change occurring throughout a person's life.

What is Personality Psychology?

The study of the unique patterns of thoughts and behavior that characterize an individual.

What is Social Psychology?

The study of how we interact and relate to others.

What is Clinical Psychology?

The diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic behavior.

What does Health Psychology focus on?

The relationship between individual health and biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences.

What is Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

The application of psychological theories and principles to workplace settings.

What is Correlation?

The relationship between two or more values.

What is a Positive Correlation?

When two variables change in the same direction, either increasing or decreasing together.

What is a Negative Correlation?

When two variables change in opposite directions—one increases as the other decreases.

What is Zero Correlation?

When changes in two variables are not related at all.

What is the Cause and Effect relationship?

When changes in one variable directly cause changes in another variable.

What are Illusory Correlations?

False beliefs in relationships that do not exist between variables.

What is a Random Sample?

A subset of a larger population where each member has an equal chance of being selected.

What is random assignment in experiments?

A method where all participants have an equal chance of being selected for either experimental group.

What is a Longitudinal Study?

Research that follows the same group of individuals over an extended period.

What is cross-sectional research?

The comparison of multiple segments of a population at a single time.

What is Naturalistic Observation?

Observation in a normal environment without manipulation; it may be affected by observer bias.

What is Lab Observation?

Observing behavior in a controlled environment which may lack real-world generalizability.

What are Case Studies?

In-depth examinations of individuals, providing detailed information but limited generalizability.

What are surveys?

Tools to identify attitudes, opinions, or behaviors through questions.

What is Archival Data?

Utilization of past records to answer research questions.

What distinguishes experiments from other research methods?

Experiments involve manipulating one variable to measure its effect on another to establish causality.

What is an Independent Variable?

The variable manipulated by the experimenter.

What is a Dependent Variable?

The variable measured by the researcher to assess the effect of the independent variable.

What does the control group do in an experiment?

Serves as a baseline to compare against the experimental group.

What is a confounding variable?

An extraneous variable that affects the results and is not the focus of the study.