Test Your Knowledge of Psychology Flashcards

~a science~study of mind and behavior or mental process~direct study~inferred elements: infer behaviors from less observable things. 

1. to describe behavior2. to understand behavior3. to influence behavior 4. to apply research findings to real world phenomena

1. objectivity: evaluate research data and theory based on what's observed.2. Accuracy: gather data from lab and real world in precise ways.3. healthy skepticism: take a cautious view of things until data are replicated.

Studies conducted to obtain knowledge for its own sake.

Studies conducted to solve specific problems.

Enable us to conceptualize bahvior.

1. focus: brain (function); genetic influence.2. buzz words: anything to do with biology and bodily processes. 3. Dualism vs. monism: philosophies used.

Dualism is mind and body are separate entities.
monism is mind and body are unified whole and more widely accepted currently.

Based on principles of Darwin's theory on evolution. 

"survival of the fittest"characteristic that allows one to survive and reproduce will be handed down.

Evolution is important in the development of human behavior.

~very conroversial~proposes that complex social behaviors are further products of evolution. 

To what extent behaviors are related to one's genetic predispositions.~twin studies:  ~identical twins (monozygotic) 100% of same genetic makeup.  ~fraternal twins (Dizygotic) no more similar that siblings.

Biggest name for this theory = Sigmund Freud

Unconscious mental processes that direct your behavior and early childhood experiences.