General Psychology 1 & 2

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, exploring how people think, feel, and act.

Goals of Psychology

The objectives of psychology, including describing, explaining, predicting, and controlling behavior.

Describe Behavior

Identifying and detailing observed behaviors and mental processes.

Explain Behavior

Understanding and clarifying why behaviors and mental processes occur.

Predict Behavior

Anticipating how individuals or groups will behave in different situations.

Control or Influence Behavior

Applying knowledge to modify behaviors for positive outcomes.

Ancient Greece

The period when early philosophical explorations of the mind and behavior began, involving figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Wilhelm Wundt

Established the first psychology laboratory in 1879, marking psychology's formal beginning as a scientific discipline.

Structuralism

A psychological approach developed by Edward Titchener, focusing on breaking down mental processes into basic elements.

Functionalism

An approach advanced by William James, emphasizing the purpose of mental processes in adapting to the environment.

Psychoanalysis

Developed by Sigmund Freud, this approach explores unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Behaviorism

Founded by John B. Watson, focusing on observable behaviors and environmental influences.

Humanistic Psychology

Established by Carl Rogers, emphasizing personal growth and self-actualization.

Hierarchy of Needs

A concept developed by Abraham Maslow, outlining a framework for human motivation and needs.

Cognitive Development

The study of how children's thinking and understanding evolve, advanced by Jean Piaget.

Contemporary Trends

The integration of various psychological approaches and advanced research methods in modern psychology.

Behavioral Approach

Focuses on observable behaviors and their learning through environmental interactions.

Psychodynamic Approach

Emphasizes unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.

Humanistic Approach

Centers on personal growth and the positive aspects of human nature.

Cognitive Approach

Involves mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Biological Approach

Examines the influence of genetics, brain structure, and the nervous system on behavior.

Oogenesis

The formation of eggs in the ovaries.

Spermatogenesis

The formation of sperm in the testes.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube.

Fertilization

The process when a sperm cell penetrates the egg, forming a zygote.

Zygote Formation

The fertilized egg containing genetic material from both parents, beginning to divide and develop.

Germinal Stage

The first stage of prenatal development, characterized by fertilization to formation of the placenta

Fertilization to Implantation

The zygote undergoes rapid cell division, forming a blastocyst that implants in the uterine wall.

Formation of the Placenta

The placenta begins forming, providing nutrients and oxygen to the embryo and removing waste products.

Embryonic Stage (2-8 weeks)

The second stage of prenatal development, characterized by organ development.

Organogenesis

Major organs and structures, such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, and limbs, begin to develop.

Fetal Stage

The final stage of prenatal development, characterized by growth and maturation of the fetus.

Growth and Maturation

The fetus undergoes rapid growth, organs continue to mature, and by the end of this stage, the fetus can respond to stimuli and has developed most structures needed for survival outside the womb.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the passing one of traits from one generation to another.

Teratogens

Harmful substances that can affect prenatal development.

Growth

A quantitative increase in size or mass.

Development

Qualitative changes and the acquisition of skills and abilities.

Maturation

The process of reaching full functional capability influenced by genetics and environment.

Infancy

The stage of development focusing on physical, cognitive, and social milestones.

Early Childhood

A period marked by key developments in motor skills and language.

Middle Childhood

A stage characterized by cognitive abilities and social interactions.

Adolescence

The developmental phase involving puberty and identity formation.

Adulthood

The stage of life focusing on physical changes and career development.

Late Adulthood

The final stage of life, involving aging and cognitive decline.

Trust vs Mistrust (Infancy, 0-1 year)

Developing trust when caregivers provide reliability, care, and affection. A lack of this leads to mistrust.

Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood, 1-3 years)

Developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. Failure results in feelings of shame and doubt.

Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool, 3-6 years)

Asserting power and control over the environment through directing play and other social interactions. Success leads to a sense of initiative, while failure results in guilt.

Industry vs Inferiority (School Age, 6-12 years):

Coping with new social and academic demands. Success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority.

Identity vs Role Confusion (Adolescence, 12-18 years)

Developing a personal identity and sense of self. Success leads to an ability to stay true to oneself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adulthood, 18-40 years)

Forming intimate, loving relationships with others. Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.

Generativity vs Stagnation (Middle Adulthood, 40-65 years)

Creating or nurturing things that will outlast oneself, such as raising children or contributing to positive changes. Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

Integrity vs Despair (Maturity, 65-death)

Reflecting on life and feeling a sense of fulfillment or despair. Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.