origins of psychology

• What is psychology defined as?

  The scientific study of the human mind and behaviour
• Who established the first psychology lab?

  Wilhelm Wundt
• What was Wundt's aim in establishing his lab?

  To describe the nature of consciousness scientifically
• What method did Wundt pioneer?

  The method of introspection
• How does introspection work in psychology?

  Breaking conscious awareness into basic structures
• What does introspection involve?

  Examining own thoughts under controlled conditions
• What is a criticism of introspection?

  It is subjective and prone to bias
• What are the strengths and limitations of Wundt's methods?

  Strengths:

  • Some aspects are scientific today
  • Used controlled settings for experiments

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Relied on self-reporting
  • Data is subjective and varies
• What does 'emergence' mean in psychology?

  The process of coming into existence
• What is the definition of 'science'?

  A means of acquiring knowledge systematically
• What is the aim of the section on the emergence of psychology?

  To explain psychology's history and scientific approach
• What features must psychology have to be considered a science?

  1. Paradigm: Shared assumptions and methods
  2. Empirical method: Evidence through observation
  3. Objectivity: Minimized personal bias
  4. Replicability: Procedures can be repeated
• What is a paradigm in psychology?

  A set of shared assumptions and methods
• Why is the empirical method important in psychology?

  It backs theories with scientific evidence
• What does objectivity in research aim to minimize?

  Personal bias that distorts research
• What is replicability in scientific research?

  The ability to repeat procedures and findings
• What is the main argument of free will in psychology?

  People can choose their behaviours and thoughts
• What does determinism argue about behaviour?

  It is caused by forces beyond control
• What is soft determinism?

  Behaviour is influenced by choice and forces
• What does the nature argument in psychology state?

  Behaviours are inherited
• What does the nurture argument in psychology state?

  Behaviour results from treatment and experiences
• What is the interactionist view in psychology?

  Nature and nurture interact to influence behaviour
• What does reductionism argue in psychology?

  Human behaviour can be reduced to simple parts
• What does holism argue in psychology?

  The whole person must be considered to understand behaviour
• What does nomothetic research focus on?

  Studying large groups to create general laws
• What does idiographic research focus on?

  Studying individuals in depth
• Why is knowledge of debates in psychology important?

  • Helps in studying major approaches
  • Aids in making comparisons between theories