History & Systems of Psychology and Twin Studies

Comprehensive practice flashcards reviewing twin studies, key historical figures, schools of thought, therapeutic approaches, and major psychological models from Chapter 1.

How are monozygotic (MZ) twins formed?

They are identical twins formed from a single egg fertilized by a single sperm that later splits.

How are dizygotic (DZ) twins formed?

They are fraternal twins formed when two separate eggs are released during ovulation and fertilized by two different sperm.

Who was Wilhelm Wundt, and what major milestone in psychology is he credited with?

He was a German scientist (1832–1920) who was the first person referred to as a psychologist (the 'Father of Psychology') and started the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.

What method did Wilhelm Wundt use to study the conscious experience, and how did he describe it?

He used introspection (which he called 'internal perception'), a process by which someone examines their own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

What school of thought did William James develop, and what was its focus?

He developed Functionalism, which focused on how mental activities helped an organism fit into its environment and was interested in the operation of the whole mind.

What was the significance of William James's book 'Principles of Psychology'?

It was the first textbook in the field of psychology.

According to Sigmund Freud, what is the unconscious mind and how can it be accessed?

It is a repository of feelings and urges of which we have no awareness; it can be accessed through dream analysis, examination of the first words that come to people's minds, and slips of the tongue.

What is the primary focus of psychoanalytic theory?

It focuses on the role of a person's unconscious mind as well as early childhood experiences.

Why is Sigmund Freud viewed by many as the 'Father of Psychiatry'?

In part because he focused on a 'talking cure' rather than some of the more ineffective treatment approaches of his day.

Who is known as the father of behaviorism, and what was his stance on behavior?

John B. Watson; he coined the term 'Scientific Study of Behavior' and believed that all behavior is learned behavior, shifting the focus of psychology to observing and controlling observable behavior.

How did Abraham Maslow define self-actualization?

A process by which we achieve our full potential, representing the highest-level needs in his hierarchy of human needs.

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, what are the five tiers of human needs from lowest to highest?

1. Physiological (Food, water, shelter, warmth), 2. Security (Safety, employment, assets), 3. Social (Family, friendship, intimacy, belonging), 4. Esteem (Self-worth, accomplishment, confidence), and 5. Self-actualization (Inner fulfillment).

What is humanism in psychology, and who are two of its most well-known proponents?

A perspective within psychology that emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans; its prominent proponents are Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

What therapeutic approach did Carl Rogers develop, and how does it function?

Client-centered (or Person Centered) therapy, which involves the patient taking a lead role in the therapy session.

What three features did Carl Rogers believe a therapist needed to display to maximize therapy effectiveness?

Unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.

What is the difference between Unconditional Positive Regard (UPR) and Conditional Positive Regard (CPR)?

Unconditional Positive Regard means the therapist accepts their client for who they are without judgment no matter what they say, whereas Conditional Positive Regard refers to acceptance under certain conditions.

What is the motto of the 'Cognitive Revolution'?

'PERCEPTION = REALITY'

In Cognitive Therapy / CBT, what does each component of the 'A B C MODEL' represent?

A = Activating event, B = Belief (about A), and C = Consequence.

What was the definitional focus and key question of Structuralism (1879)?

Focus: Mind/Consciousness; Key question: 'What is the structure of the mind?' (Associated with Wundt and Titchener).

What was the definitional focus and key question of Behaviorism (1915)?

Focus: Observable behaviors; Key question: 'What behaviors are learned & how?' (Associated with Watson).

What was the definitional focus and key question of Humanism (1950)?

Focus: Human motivation ('self-actualization'); Key question: 'What choices do we make with our free will?' (Associated with Maslow and Rogers).

What was the definitional focus and key question of Cognitive psychology (1960/70)?

Focus: Thought/Perception; Key question: 'How does thinking/mental processes influence our perception/actions?' (Associated with Bandura and Beck).