Psychology Review Flashcards

Flashcards of key terms and figures in psychology based on lecture notes.

Neobehaviorism

Grew from Positivism, focusing on observable data and influenced by Logical Positivism. Emphasizes operational definitions and physicalism. Learning is the primary adaptation mechanism.

Edwin Guthrie

Known for One-Trial Learning, learning occurs in a single exposure via contiguity. Differentiated between movements and acts. Rejected reinforcement, emphasized the recency principle.

Clark Hull

Created Drive Reduction Theory, stating learning occurs when a drive is reduced via behavior. Developed the formula SER = SHR x D x V x K.

Edward Tolman

Developed Purposive Behaviorism, where behaviors are driven by a purpose/goal. Emphasized intervening variables and is known for cognitive maps and latent learning.

B.F. Skinner

A radical behaviorist known for operant conditioning, where behavior is shaped by consequences. Introduced reinforcement schedules and the _____ Box.

Gestalt Psychology

Founded by Wertheimer, Köhler, and Koffka. Focused on perception; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Max Wertheimer

Discovered the phi phenomenon and launched the Gestalt movement. Argued for holistic perception.

Kurt Koffka

Spread Gestalt ideas in the U.S. Emphasized perception is not fragmented, stimuli must be considered with context, and mind-body relations must be reconsidered.

Wolfgang Köhler

Studied apes and discovered insight learning. Insight has traits like sudden transition, error-free performance, long retention, and application to new problems.

Kurt Lewin

Developed Field Theory, stating behavior is a function of the individual and environment. Described approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, and approach-avoidance conflicts.

Bluma Zeigarnik

Proposed the Zeigarnik Effect, where incomplete tasks are more memorable than complete ones.

Leon Festinger

Developed Cognitive Dissonance Theory, noting the discomfort felt when behavior doesn’t align with beliefs.

Biological Approach to Psychopathology

Explains mental illness through physical/organic causes, such as brain structure or genetics.

Psychological Approach to Psychopathology

Explains mental illness through emotional, cognitive, or behavioral roots.

Supernatural Approach to Psychopathology

Explains mental illness through spirits, possession, sin, or punishment.

Philippe Pinel

Advocated humane treatment of the mentally ill.

Dorothea Dix

Led movement for state mental hospitals.

Emil Kraepelin

Created early psychiatric classification and the Kraepelinian Dichotomy (Praecox vs. Manic Depression). Emphasized the medical model.

Lightner Witmer

Founded the first psychological clinic and coined the term clinical psychology.

Concept of Hysteria

Historically blamed on the uterus, later studied scientifically by Charcot who showed it could affect men and explored links to trauma.

Neurasthenia

A 19th-century diagnosis marked by vague symptoms and linked to urban life and stress.

Sigmund Freud

Developed psychoanalysis, focusing on the unconscious mind. Major ideas include the Id, Ego, Superego, and Psychosexual Development stages.

Catharsis

The release of pent-up emotions that can lead to emotional relief.; Perls when doing Gestalt groups

Free Association

Talking about whatever comes to mind without censoring your thoughts.

Anna Freud

Focused on ego defense mechanisms and founded child psychoanalysis.

Alfred Adler

Founded Individual Psychology, focusing on striving for superiority and belonging. Key ideas include the inferiority complex and style of life.

Karen Horney

Critiqued Freud’s view of women, emphasized basic anxiety and neurotic trends, and rejected penis envy.

Carl Jung

Founded Analytical Psychology, emphasizing wholeness. Key concepts are the collective unconscious, archetypes, individuation, and personality types.

Humanistic Psychology

The major tenets of _______ can be described as follows:

Little of value can be learned about humans by studying animals.

Subjective reality is the primary guide to human behavior.

Studying individuals is of more value than studying what people in groups have in common.

Abraham Maslow

Developed the Hierarchy of Needs, from basic needs to self-actualization.

Carl Rogers

Created Client-Centered Therapy based on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard.

Rollo May

Introduced existential ideas into therapy. ex. choosing the meaning of life

Fritz Perls

Focused on here-and-now, present awareness, and emotional catharsis in Gestalt Therapy.

William Schutz

Led encounter groups at Esalen, prioritizing spontaneity and catharsis.