Psych 101

What is psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

What are 'behavior' and 'mental processes' in psychology?

Behavior: observable actions; Mental processes: internal experiences like thoughts and emotions.

What method does psychology use?

The empirical method (evidence-based).

What is dualism?

The mind and body are separate (Socrates & Plato).

What is monism?

The mind and body are one (Aristotle).

Who supported nature vs. nurture in ancient philosophy?

Nature: Socrates & Plato; Nurture: Aristotle.

What did René Descartes believe?

Dualism; mind-body communication via nerves; some innate ideas.

What did John Locke believe?

Tabula rasa (blank slate); knowledge through experience (empiricism).

Who is the father of psychology?

Wilhelm Wundt – opened first psych lab in 1879.

What is structuralism?

Study of consciousness by breaking it into parts using introspection.

Who were major figures in structuralism?

Wundt and Edward Titchener.

Who developed functionalism?

William James – focused on purpose of consciousness.

What influenced functionalism?

Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

What is Gestalt psychology?

Focus on whole experience – 'The whole is greater than the sum of its parts'.

Who was Mary Whiton Calkins?

Developed memory research; denied a PhD due to being a woman.

Who was Margaret Floy Washburn?

First woman to earn a psych PhD; studied animal behavior.

What does the psychoanalytic perspective emphasize?

Unconscious conflicts and early childhood (Freud).

What is the behaviorist perspective?

Study of observable behavior; learning through conditioning.

What is the humanist perspective?

Focus on personal growth and self-actualization (Maslow & Rogers).

What is the cognitive perspective?

Mental processes like memory, thinking, and problem solving.

What is the biological perspective?

Behavior due to genes, brain, and body systems.

What is the evolutionary perspective?

Behavior as an adaptation for survival.

What is the socio-cultural perspective?

Behavior shaped by culture, identity, and social factors.

What is basic research in psychology?

Expands knowledge base; not intended to solve problems.

What is applied research?

Solves real-world problems using psychological principles.

What is clinical psychology?

Diagnoses and treats mental disorders.

What is developmental psychology?

Studies how people change across the lifespan.

What does industrial/organizational psychology study?

Workplace behavior, motivation, and productivity.