What is Psychology?
The science of behavior and mental processes
Goal of Psychology: To describe and influence behavior and mental processes.
Who wrote about dreams, sleep, senses, and memory in early philosophical roots of psychology?
Aristotle
His work contributed to the foundational understanding of psychological concepts.
What did René Descartes propose regarding mind and body?
They are separate entities that interact to produce sensations
This laid groundwork for the nature-nurture issue.
What is Structuralism?
Study of the basic elements of conscious experience through introspection
Key figures: Edward B. Titchener & Wilhelm Wundt.
What is the focus of Functionalism?
Study of the purpose or function of behavior and consciousness
Key figure: William James.
Who is the founder of Psychoanalysis?
Sigmund Freud
Emphasized the role of unconscious conflicts in determining behavior and personality.
What does Behaviorism emphasize?
Study of observable behaviors, especially related to the learning process
Key figures: Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, B.F. Skinner.
What is Humanistic Psychology focused on?
Person’s conscious experiences and psychological growth
Key figures: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
List the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
- Physiological needs
- Safety needs
- Love and belonging
- Esteem
- Self-actualization
This hierarchy outlines the stages of human motivation.
What does the Biological Perspective in psychology emphasize?
Physical bases of human and animal behavior
Focuses on neuroscience and biological processes.
What is the Cognitive Perspective focused on?
Influence of mental processes on behavior
Areas include memory, perception, language, problem-solving, and thinking.
What is the Cross-Cultural Perspective?
Emphasizes diversity of patterns of behavior across cultural settings
Proposes some findings are not as universal as previously thought.
What is the Evolutionary Perspective?
Applies evolution to psychological processes
Suggests psychological processes are subject to natural selection.
What is the Scientific Method?
A set of procedures that guides scientists in conducting research
Includes creating questions, generating evidence, and drawing conclusions.
What are the steps in the Research Process?
- Develop hypothesis
- Design study and collect data
- Analyze data and draw conclusions
- Report findings
These steps are essential for conducting scientific research.
What is Descriptive Research?
Uses scientific procedures to observe and describe behavior
Methods include naturalistic observation, case studies, and surveys.
What is the difference between Independent Variable and Dependent Variable?
- Independent Variable: Factor purposely manipulated
- Dependent Variable: Factor observed for change
Key components in experimental research.
What is the Placebo Effect?
Any change attributed to a person’s expectations rather than actual treatment
Important in understanding the impact of expectations in research.
What are the five key provisions for studies with humans according to APA guidelines?
- Informed consent and voluntary participation
- Alternative activities for course requirements
- Use of deception under certain conditions
- Confidentiality of information
- Access to results of study
These provisions ensure ethical standards in psychological research.
What are the three types of neurons?
- Interneuron
- Motor Neuron
- Sensory Neuron
Each type has a specific role in the nervous system.
What is the role of Glial Cells?
Provide support roles for neurons
Includes forming myelin sheath, removing dead cells, and providing structural support.
What is Action Potential?
Impulse by which a signal is sent along the axon
Involves depolarization and repolarization processes.
What is the Synapse?
Junction between two adjoining neurons
Neurons never touch; communication occurs via neurotransmitters.
What are Classic Neurotransmitters?
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
- Glutamate
- GABA
- Endorphins
Each neurotransmitter has specific functions in the brain and body.
