Unit 1 Flashcards
Translation of “psychology”
psych (psyche) - mind/soul
ology (logos) - to study
Definition of psychology
The scientific study of behaviour and mental processes
Hippocrates’s Four Humours Theory
Blood - Sanguine
Phlegm - Phlegmatic
Black Bile - Melancholic
Yellow Bile - Choleric
Phrenology
The concept that behaviour is influenced by the shape of your head
What are the four historic approaches?
- Structuralism
- Functionalism
- Inheritable Traits
- Gestalt Psychology
What is structuralism, who developed it, and give an example
Structuralism breaks down behaviour into its most simple elements, often using introspection (the idea of looking within and self-reporting).
Wilhelm Wunt
Ex. Observing how long periods of time spent on social media make you feel.
What is functionalism, who developed it, and give an example
Functionalism examines the function of behaviour. Functionalists believe that everything we do fulfills the function of survival.
William James
Ex.
- The purpose of fear is to protect us from danger.
- Sally makes friends to form strong bonds to protect her from the cruel world.
What are Inheritable Traits, who developed the concept, and give an example.
Behaviour is the direct result of inherited genes.
Sir Francis Galton
Ex. Jo is kind because her parents are kind.
What is Gestalt Psychology, who developed it, and give an example
Gestalt psychology suggests that behaviour is a result of prior knowledge and our ability to problem solve.
Wertheimer/Kohler/Koffka
Ex. Bobby has noticed over the past few weeks that his teacher makes a spectacle each time it is someone’s birthday. When his birthday comes around, he chooses not to tell his teacher.
Meaning of “gestalt”
Gestalt = whole pattern, in German
What are the six contemporary approaches?
- Psychoanalytical Psychology
- Behavioural Psychology
- Humanistic Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Sociocultural Psychology
What is psychoanalytical psychology and who developed it? Give an example.
Psychoanalytical psychology is a method of studying the mind and treating mental and emotional disorders by examining the unconscious mind. Often includes dream analysis, free association and examining early childhood experiences.
Sigmund Freud
Ex. Fred lost his keys because, unconsciously, he did not want to go to work that day.
What is behavioural psychology and who developed it? Give an example.
Behaviour is a result of the actions and thoughts of others (positive/negative reinforcement, punishment and classical conditioning).
Pavlov/Watson/Skinner
Ex. A teacher has a reward system to recognize good behaviour.
What is humanistic psychology and who developed it? Give an example.
Each person has the freedom to direct their own future and achieve personal growth. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
Maslow/Rogers/May
Ex. Billy chooses to pursue his dream job to live a long and meaningful life.
What is cognitive psychology and who developed it? Provide an example.
Cognitive psychology suggests that behaviour is a result of how we process, store, retrieve and use information.
Piaget/Chomsky/Festinger
Ex. Jimmy’s stress from a traumatic incident could influence his memory and recollection of the event.
What is biological psychology and who developed it? Give an example.
Biological psychology suggests that our behaviour is the result of our physiological makeup (genes, blood, hormones, brain, vitamins/minerals, etc.)
No specific person developed it.
Ex. The brain scan of someone with schizophrenia looks drastically different that the scan of his twin without schizophrenia.
What is sociocultural psychology and who is associated with it? Provide an example.
Our behaviour is the result of the culture we belong to.
No specific person is associated with it.
Ex. Young people raised in an environment where criminal behaviour is considered normal and necessary will likely take less interest in education.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
Psychologists: trained to observe, analyse and evaluate behaviour (usually have a doctoral degree in psychology)
Psychiatrists: medical doctors who can prescribe medication or operate on patients (will work with psychologists on treating patients)
Clinical psychologists
Diagnoses and treats people with emotional disturbances
Counselling Psychologists
helps people deal with everyday problems of living
Developmental Psychologists
“The discipline that attempts to describe and explain the changes that occur over time in the thought. reasoning and functioning of a person due to biological, individual and environmental influences. Developmental psychology involves the study of children’s development as well as the development of human behaviour accros the lifespan, even the process of dying”
Educational Psychology
“The application of what we know about learning and motivation, development, and measurement and statistics to educational settings (both school and community-based). “Educational psychology is an ambitious course that undertakes the presentation of many different topics all tied together by the theme of how the individual can best function in an educational setting, loosely defined as anything from pre-school through adult education.”
Forensic Psychology
devoted to psychological aspects of legal processes in courts. The term is also often used to refer to investigative and criminological psychology: applying psychological theory to criminal investigation, understanding psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of criminals.
Sport Psychology
“Applied sport and exercise psychology involves extending theory and research into the field to educate coaches, athletes, parents, exercisers, fitness professionals, and athletic trainers about the psychological aspects of their sport or activity. A primary goal of professionals in applied sport and exercise psychology is to facilitate optimal involvement, performance, and enjoyment in sport and exercise.”
