What is psychology? Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is psychology?
The scientific study of human mind + behaviour
What are the two early perspectives?
Structuralism and functionalism
What is the structuralist perspective?
Mental state is influenced by the structures of the brain
Human consciousness could be broken down into smaller parts (structures). Using a process known as introspection
What is the functionalist perspective?
Mental state is influenced by how/why an organism functions
What is introspection?
Examination/observation of one’s own thoughts and emotions
Why is introspection inaccurate?
Unreliable data, cannot be measured
What is a psychoanalytic approach?
Made conscious the unconscious thoughts, behaviours and memories
What is a behaviourist approach?
Behaviours learned through interaction with the environment (B.F. Skinner)
What is a Humanistic approach?
Importance of subject experience and personal growth
What is a Cognitive approach?
Scientific lab-based approach
Application to memory, perception, cognitive development, mental illness etc
What are the goals of psychology?
To describe, to explain, to predict & to change
What is epistemology?
The philosophical study of human knowledge
Who pioneered structuralism?
Wilhelm Wundt (1832-1920)
Termed by his student Edward Titchener
What is free association?
The expression of the content of consciousness without censorship as an aid in gaining access to unconscious processes.
Who is the father of psychology?
American Philosopher, William James
What was psychology’s first school of thought?
Structuralism
Who were the early philosophers?
Socrates > Plato > Aristotle
Who introduced the idea of dualism?
Rene Descartes, 17th century
What is dualism?
Asserted that the mind and body were two entities that interact to form the human experience.
When did psychology emerge as a separate discipline?
The late 1800s
Who pioneered behaviouralism
Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov
What is classical conditioning?
Behaviours could be learned via conditioned associations.
