Foundations of Psychology Exam 1 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the Foundations of Psychology exam study guide.

Historical Perspectives

A section of psychology that discusses early philosophical arguments for human psychology.

Wilhelm Wundt

Considered the father of psychology; known for founding structuralism.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that attempted to understand the structure of the mind through introspection.

William James

A psychologist known for functionalism, focusing on the purpose of consciousness.

Functionalism

A school of psychology that emphasized the functions of consciousness and behavior.

Sigmund Freud

The founder of psychoanalysis, emphasizing the importance of the unconscious mind.

Psychoanalytic theory

Freud's theory emphasizing the role of the unconscious in influencing behavior.

Behaviorism

A perspective in psychology that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal states.

Humanistic psychology

A psychological perspective that emphasizes individual potential and stresses the importance of growth.

Biological revolution

A significant shift in psychology that highlights the importance of biological factors in behavior.

Correlation coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the extent to which two variables fluctuate together.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent variable

The outcome variable that researchers measure to see if it has been affected by the independent variable.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and genetic information.

Genes

Units of heredity that contribute to an organism's traits and characteristics.

Behavior genetics

The study of the relationship between genetics and behavior.

Prenatal stages of development

The different phases of development a fetus undergoes before birth.

Teratogens

Substances that can cause malformations or abnormalities in a developing fetus.

Attachment styles

Patterns of attachment behavior developed in early childhood affecting later relationships.

Schema

A cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

SSRI antidepressant

A type of medication that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.