PSYC101 Week 1 Lecture 1: Introduction to Psychology

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts and definitions from the PSYC101 Week 1 lecture on the introduction to psychology.

What is psychology mainly concerned with?

The scientific study of behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional experiences of humans.

What is comparative psychology?

A branch of psychology that studies the behavior and mental processes of non-human animals.

Who is Carl Sagan?

An American astronomer and cosmologist known for his work in popularizing science and exploring topics related to space.

What does the term 'psychology' derive from?

It comes from the Greek words 'psyche' meaning 'soul' or 'mind', and 'logos' meaning 'study of'.

Define empirical questions in psychology.

Questions that can be answered by collecting and analyzing data.

What are some major fields in psychology mentioned in the lecture?

Cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology.

What is the importance of the scientific method in psychology?

It allows the systematic observation and testing of psychological theories and hypotheses.

What are the two historical schools of thought in psychology discussed?

Structuralism, associated with Edward Titchener, and functionalism, associated with William James.

What role does critical thinking play in psychology?

It helps to analyze evidence, challenge popular beliefs, and consider the complexity of human behavior.

What is the misconception about psychologists' abilities mentioned in the lecture?

That psychologists have special insights into others' minds and can always detect lies or truth.

How does the lecture suggest we often remember information?

We tend to remember unusual or eventful situations rather than mundane ones.

What is a common error related to the use of common sense, according to the lecture?

Common sense is often based on outdated beliefs or selective observations, which may not provide a credible foundation for understanding.

Why is the term 'theory' often misused in popular discourse?

People often use 'theory' to refer to personal opinions rather than scientifically supported explanations with evidence.

What was one example given regarding erroneous popular beliefs in psychology?

That schizophrenia refers to a 'split personality' when in fact, it is a disconnection from reality.

What is prospective memory?

The ability to remember to perform planned actions in the future.

How do psychology texts contribute to student knowledge?

They provide foundational knowledge in various areas of psychology, although they may be too extensive for a single elective.

Define the difference between non-empirical and empirical questions with examples.

Non-empirical questions deal with subjective opinions (e.g., art appreciation) while empirical questions can be measured (e.g., survey of opinions on art).