Key Figures and Concepts in Psychology

Wilhelm Wundt

• Established the first psychology lab in Germany.
• Separated psychology from philosophy.
  • Psychology involves biology and emotions.
  • Philosophy relates to the soul and deep thinking.

Sigmund Freud

• Known for psychoanalysis and defense mechanisms.
• Introduced concepts like Freudian slips and childhood shaping personality.
• Developed talk therapy techniques.
  • Emphasizes repressed memories.
  • Associated with psychodynamic approaches.

B.F. Skinner

• Pioneered behavioral psychology.
• Notable for classical conditioning alongside Pavlov.

Mary Whiton Calkins

• First female president of the American Psychological Association (APA).
• Familiarity with APA writing format is necessary for psychological studies.

Biopsychosocial Model

• Integration of biological, psychological, and social cultural factors in understanding behavior and mental health.

Scientific Method

• Steps involve formulating hypotheses, conducting research, designing experiments, and analyzing results.
• Understanding concepts of independent and dependent variables, and confounding variables.

Critical Thinking

• Essential for psychology to understand and analyze behaviors without prejudice.
• Differentiates between correlation and causation.

Ethical Considerations

• Informed consent, confidentiality, and participant rights are crucial in psychological research and practice.