Psych flashcards set 1

APA

The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States

Wundt, Wilhelm

distinguished psychology as a science from philosophy and biology, was the first person ever to call himself a psychologist

Structuralism

a method of interpretation and analysis of aspects of human cognition, behavior, culture, and experience that focuses on relationships of contrast between elements in a conceptual system that reflect patterns underlying a superficial diversity.

Introspection

the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

Functionalism

 each and every mental state is constituted solely by its functional role, which means its causal relation to other mental states, sensory inputs, and behavioral outputs.

James, William

first educator to offer a psychology course in the United States. James is considered to be a leading thinker of the late 19th century. The “Father of American Psychology”

Natural selection

Organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on the genes that aided their success.

Calkins, Mary

 informed theory and research of memory, dreams and the self.

Margaret Washburn

leading American psychologist in the early 20th century, was best known for her experimental work in animal behavior and motor theory development. 

Leta Stetter Hollingworth

made contributions in psychology of women, clinical psychology, and educational psychology. She is best known for her work with gifted children

Unconscious

the part of the mind which is inaccessible to the conscious mind but which affects behavior and emotions.

Psychoanalytic theory

the theory of personality organization and the dynamics of personality development relating to the practice of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology.

Sigmund Freud

founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies seen as originating from conflicts in the psyche, through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst, and the distinctive theory of mind and human agency derived from it.

Behaviorism

the theory that human and animal behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings, and that some mental conditions are best treated by altering behavior patterns.

Watson, John

popularized the scientific theory of behaviorism, establishing it as a psychological school.

Skinner, B.F.

American psychologist, behaviorist, author, inventor, and social philosopher. Considered the father of Behaviorism