Who helped create and influence the field of psychology and how?
Early thinkers like Wundt, James, Freud, Pavlov, and Watson shaped psychology through lab research, theories of consciousness, behaviorism, and psychoanalysis.
William Wundt: who, what, when, where?
German psychologist; founded first psychology lab in 1879 at the University of Leipzig; used introspection to study consciousness.
Ivan Pavlov: who, what, when, where?
Russian physiologist; discovered classical conditioning through dog experiments in the early 1900s in St. Petersburg.
Sigmund Freud: who, what, when, where?
Austrian neurologist; founded psychoanalysis in the late 1800s–early 1900s in Vienna; emphasized unconscious drives.
William James: who, what, when, where?
American psychologist/philosopher; wrote “Principles of Psychology” in 1890; promoted functionalism at Harvard.
John Watson: who, what, when, where?
American psychologist; founded behaviorism in the early 1900s; famous for the Little Albert experiment.
Jean Piaget: who, what, when, where?
Swiss psychologist; studied cognitive development in children during the 20th century; worked in Geneva.
Carl Rogers: who, what, when, where?
American psychologist; developed humanistic therapy in the mid-1900s; emphasized unconditional positive regard.
Abraham Maslow: who, what, when, where?
American psychologist; created hierarchy of needs in the 1940s–60s; focused on self-actualization.
What is cognitive psychology?
The study of mental processes like thinking, memory, language, and problem-solving.
What is contemporary psychology?
The modern field that integrates multiple perspectives to study behavior and mental processes.
What is the nature vs. nurture debate and why is it important?
It explores whether genetics (nature) or environment (nurture) shapes behavior; crucial for understanding development.
What are the seven different perspectives of psychology your book mentions?
Biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, sociocultural, evolutionary.
What is the difference between basic research and applied research?
Basic research builds knowledge; applied research solves practical problems.
What is the difference between counseling psychology and clinical psychology?
Counseling helps with everyday issues; clinical treats mental disorders.
How does a psychiatrist differ from a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication; psychologists focus on therapy and research.
What is hindsight bias?
The tendency to believe, after an event, that one “knew it all along.”
What is overconfidence?
The tendency to overestimate our knowledge or abilities.
What is critical thinking and why is it important in scientific research?
Analyzing and evaluating evidence objectively; prevents bias and improves conclusions.
What are the three steps in the scientific process?
Observe, form a hypothesis, test through research.
Define: Theory
A well-tested explanation that organizes observations and predicts outcomes.
Define: Hypothesis
A testable prediction derived from a theory.
Define: Operational definition
A precise description of how variables are measured or defined.
Define: Replicate
To repeat a study to confirm results.
