The formal scientific definition of psychology says that it is the scientific study of these major things.
What are behavior and mental processes
Psych. is considered a social science because it studies human societies, but is also related to this type of science due to its studies in biology and other subjects.
What is natural science?
In ancient Greece, strange or abnormal human behavior was often believed to be caused by punishment from these supernatural figures.
Who are the gods and goddesses?
Known as the father of modern psychology, Wilhelm Wundt founded this school of thought focused on breaking consciousness down into basic sensations and feelings.
What is Structuralism?
This perspective explains human behavior through biological factors such as brain chemistry, genes, hormones, and the nervous system.
What is the Biological Perspective?
This refers to any action by humans that can be observed or measured.
What is behavior?
This term describes a broad statement that attempts to explain why thins are the way they are and why they happen.
What is a theory?
During the European Middle Ages, people often attributed psychological disorders to demonic possession or this spiritual failing.
What is sinfulness?
William James founded this school of thought, which focused on how mental processes help organisms adapt to their environment.
What is Functionalism?
Based on the ideas of Charles Darwin, this perspective suggests that human behaviors evolved because they provided survival advantages.
What is the Evolutionary perspective?
Dreams, thoughts, and memories are examples of these events and cannot be seen by others.
What are cognitive activities?
Unlike a theory, this represents a basic truth or rule that governs behavior or mental processes and generally does not change.
What is a principle?
This method, popularized by Socrates, involves looking inward to carefully examine our own thoughts and feelings.
What is introspection?
Sigmund Freud developed this theory emphasizing that unconscious drives, motives, and childhood conflicts dictate human behavior.
What is Psychoanalysis?
This perspective focuses on how people process, store, retrieve, and use information, emphasizing the role of thoughts and problem-solving.
What is the Cognitive perspective?
Psychologists use these theoretical tools (like intelligence or emotion) to talk about things we cannot directly touch, see, or measure.
What are psychological constructs?
This type of research is conducted purely to gain new knowledge and satisfy scientific curiosity, without any immediate practical application.
what is basic research?
This early concept explains how present experiences often trigger memories of similar experiences from our past.
What is associationism?
John B. Watson founded this school of thought, arguing that psychology should strictly focus on observable behavior and that personal choice is largely an illusion.
What is Behaviorism?
This perspective emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, personal choice, and the belief that people can "invent themselves."
What is the Humanistic perspective?
Unlike psychologists, this professional holds a medical degree and can legall prescribe medicine to patients.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychologists use this structured 5-step approach to test hypotheses, gather data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
What is the scientific method?
In medieval times, tests such as the "water float test" were used to determine if an individual was possessed by spirits or practicing this.
What is witchcraft?
B.F. Skinner introduced this concept, showing how rewards and punishments increase or decrease the likelihood of a repeated behavior.
What is reinforcement?
This perspective examines how factors like ethnicity, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status shape individual behavior and mental processes.
What is the Sociocultural perspective?