HPS111 - wk1 Flashcards
(10 cards)
How is psychology defined?
Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes, using scientific principles like observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and interpretation.
What distinguishes behaviour from mental processes in psychology?
Behaviour refers to observable actions and responses, while mental processes involve internal states like thoughts, decision-making, and emotions, which are not directly observable.
What philosophical debates influenced early psychology?
Early philosophers like Aristotle, Socrates, Descartes, Hobbes, and Locke discussed free will vs. determinism and the mind-body problem (dualism).
What was Wilhelm Wundt’s contribution to psychology?
In 1879, Wilhelm Wundt established the first experimental psychology lab in Leipzig, Germany, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a science.
What is structuralism in psychology?
Structuralism aims to break down the mind into its basic components to understand its structure, focusing on early studies of cognitive processes.
How does functionalism differ from structuralism?
While structuralism focuses on the components of the mind, functionalism examines the functions and purposes of mental processes and behaviours, emphasizing adaptation to the environment.
What is the core idea of Freud’s psychodynamic theory?
Freud emphasized unconscious processes and personality structures like the id, ego, and superego, shaping behaviour and mental health.
What is humanistic psychology?
Humanistic psychology focuses on free will, personal growth, and meaning, with key figures like Maslow (hierarchy of needs) and Rogers (person-centered approach).
What does sociocultural psychology examine?
Sociocultural psychology studies how culture, social norms (macro influences), and close relationships like family and friends (micro influences) affect behaviour.
What is the biopsychosocial model in psychology?
The biopsychosocial model explains behaviour and cognition through the interaction of biological (brain structures, genetics), psychological (personality, cognition), and social (environment, support) factors.
