Study Guide for Chapter 1, Exams of Introduction to Psychology

Download Study Guide for Chapter 1 and more Exams Introduction to Psychology in PDF only on Docsity! Study Guide for Chapter 1: The Science of Psychology Introduction to Psychology 1. Why Psychology is a Popular Major o People want to understand the minds and actions of themselves and others. o Useful in career and everyday life. o Helps understand self, motives, personality, and memory. o Benefits others and improves lives. 2. Definition of Psychology o Psychology: The study of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. o Psychological Science: The study, through research, of mind, brain, and behavior.  Mind: Private inner experience (thoughts, feelings, memories).  Brain: Biological processes.  Behavior: Observable actions of humans and animals. 3. Intuitive Psychology o Humans naturally try to understand and predict behavior. o Psychological science uses data to validate claims and understand behavior. Critical Thinking in Psychology 1. Definition o Systematically questioning and evaluating information using well-supported evidence. 2. Importance o Useful in every aspect of life and all fields of study. o Involves looking for evidence gaps, using logic, and considering alternative explanations. Historical Context 1. Mind/Body Problem o Ancient belief: Mind and body are separate. o Modern view: Mind arises from brain activity; they are intertwined. 2. Key Historical Figures o Confucius: Emphasized human development, education, and interpersonal relations. o Leonardo Da Vinci: Linked brain anatomy to psychological functions. o Rene Descartes: Proposed dualism (mind and body separate). Nature vs. Nurture 1. Definitions o Nativism (Nature): Knowledge is innate (Plato). o Philosophical Empiricism (Nurture): Knowledge is acquired through experience (Aristotle). 2. Modern Understanding o Both nature and nurture interact in human psychological development. Physiology in Psychology 1. Definition o Study of biological processes. 2. Key Concepts o Stimulus: Sensory input from the environment.