Introduction to Psychology Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and important figures in the study of psychology as outlined in the lecture notes.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and the mind, often associated with the treatment of psychological disorders.

Empirical evidence

Data obtained through observation and experimentation that can be verified or disproved.

Basic Research

Research conducted to increase knowledge for its own sake, without immediate practical application.

Applied Research

Research aimed at answering specific questions or solving particular problems.

Mind-Body Dualism

The belief that the mind and body are two distinct entities, as proposed by René Descartes.

Monism

The belief that the mind and body are one, with mental events being products of physical processes.

British Empiricism

The philosophical view that all knowledge comes from sensory experience, primarily associated with John Locke.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that sought to analyze the mind by breaking it down into its components.

Functionalism

An early school of psychology that focused on the purpose of mental processes and how they help organisms adapt.

Behaviourism

A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behavior and the impact of the environment on behavior.

Radical Behaviourism

The view that environmental factors solely determine behavior without considering internal states.

Cognitive Revolution

A movement in psychology that shifted the focus from behaviorism to understanding mental processes.

Cognitive Psychology

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

Sociocultural Perspective

An approach that considers how social and cultural factors influence behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

Biological Perspective

The approach in psychology that examines how biological factors influence behavior.

Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychological approach that emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind and early life experiences in shaping behavior.

Humanism

A psychological perspective that emphasizes human potential, self-actualization, and personal growth.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture or ethnic group is superior to others.

Intersectionality

The framework that examines how various social identities overlap and influence experiences and outcomes.

Psychometrics

The field of study concerned with the measurement of psychological variables through testing.