Introduction to Psychology

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the Introduction to Psychology lecture, focusing on fundamental definitions and distinctions relevant to the discipline.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior.

Behavior

The wide variety of actions and responses exhibited by individuals.

Common Sense

Understanding based on intuition and general wisdom, often ungrounded in empirical evidence.

Scientific Psychology

The approach to psychology that relies on empirical observations, testing hypotheses, and systematic study.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out evidence that supports one's beliefs while ignoring evidence that contradicts them.

Theory

An explanation for a large number of findings in the natural world.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from a theory.

Pseudoscience

Practices that claim to be scientific but lack evidence, rigorous methodology, or are untestable.

Empirical Observation

Knowledge gained through direct observation or experience.

Self-Correction

The process of re-evaluating and correcting beliefs based on new evidence.

Subfields of Psychology

Various categories within psychology that focus on specific aspects, such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.

Systematic Study

A methodical approach to research that seeks to eliminate alternative explanations for findings.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental abilities including perception, learning, memory, and problem-solving.

Clinical Psychology

The study of mental disorders and their treatment.

Social Psychology

The field that examines how individuals influence and are influenced by others.

Developmental Psychology

The study of change in behavior and mental processes over the lifespan.