Nature of Psychology

Question 0

Goals of psychology

Answer 0

To:
- describe
- predict
- control
- explain
Thoughts, feelings and behaviour

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes in humans

Question 2

Mental processes

Answer 2

Refers to an individual’s thoughts and feelings that are personal and cannot be directly observed. They are private, internal and cannot be seen by others

Question 3

Behaviour

Answer 3

Refers to any observable action made by a living person

Question 4

Psychologist

Answer 4

Total of 6 years full-time study, use counselling and psychological therapies, have no medical degree and cannot hospitalise an individual without consent

Question 5

Psychiatrist

Answer 5

Total of 13 years full-time study, use counselling and psychological therapies as well as prescribe drugs, are a qualified medical doctor and can hospitalise involuntary patients

Question 6

Nature vs. nurture

Answer 6

Are we born with our thoughts, feelings and behaviour or are they acquired through life experiences and our environment?

Question 7

Mind-body problem

Answer 7

Are our mind and body distinct, separate entities or are they the same thing? Descartes proposed they were two distinct separate entities but that they interact through the pineal gland