Introduction to Psychology Study Guide
What does theory mean?
A statement that attempts to explain why things are the way they are and happen the way they do.
How does the role of experience affect behavior?
Behavior is learned from direct experience or by observing other people
What are modern developments in psychology have dominated much of the 20th century?
Behaviorism Reinforcement Gestalt Psychology Psychoanalysis
How are behavior and mental processes (cognitive activities) different?
Behaviors can be directly measured. Mental processes can be measured indirectly (thinking, dreaming)
What is the role of biology in behavior and survival?
Biological processes influence behavior; inherited behavior patterns can improve chances for survival
What factors influence the bio psychological perspective?
Biological processes, psychological dispositions and social factors
Psychologist
Cannot proscribe medicine, can help determine treatments for complex problems
How did the scientific method, which began to be applied in the mid-1500s, influence the development of psychology?
It advanced the scientific approach and influenced psychologists to use evidence to support their ideas about behaviors and mental process
Why might neuroimaging be an important aid in the treatment of mental disorders
It can help psychologists locate which specific areas of the brain are affected by mental disorders
What characteristics of psychology differentiate it from other related social sciences?
It has its foundation in natural sciences and use scientific research
Why do psychologists believe that a little anxiety can be a good thing?
Motivates people to practice for a game or study for a test, it makes people alert and ready
According to Gestalt psychology, what is the relationship of something's parts to the whole?
The whole is more than the sum of something's parts
What metaphor do cognitive psychologists use to describe the functioning of the brain?
computers processing information
Psychiatrist
medical doctor, can prescribe medicine for psychological disorder
Principle
A basic truth or law
What are the major fields in psychology?
Clinical, counseling, school, educational, developmental, personality, social, experimental
How do specialists in some applied fields of psychology serve people's needs?
Forensic psychologists help police officials cope with stress
What are some of the early views and beliefs about human behavior?
Introspection Association-Ancient Greeks demonic Possession -Middle Ages Pre-Enlightenment
What are some basic of psychology?
Observe, describe, explain, predict, control
How do humanistic psychologists view people?
People are basically good and desiring to be helpful to others
What role does the mind play in determining behavior?
Perceptions and thoughts in the mind influence how a person behaves
How is psychology science
Psychologists tests ideas through various research methods
Why is it important that psychologists allow clients to make their own decisions?
So that patients learn how to control their behavior and mental processes
What are the laws of associationism?
The laws suggest that experiences often remind us of similar experiences in the past.
Who are the major pioneers of psychology?
Wilhelm Wundt William Jones John B Watson B.F. Skinner Sigmond Trend
Who established the world's first psychology lab? When? Where?
Wilhelm Wundt, 1879, Germany
Do you agree or disagree with John B. Watson that a child can be trained to become a doctor, lawyer, or other specialist?
Yes, anyone has the ability to learn anything, although he or she may not have the inclination to study it, it independently
Do you think neuroimaging has much practical applications in psychology?
Yes- the cognitive process of the brain are related to its physical functioning
