Psychology 111- Book Chpt. 1

Front 1

Culture

Back 1

The beliefs, values, rules, and customs that exist within a group of people who share a common language and environment and that are transmitted through learning from one generation to the next.

Front 2

Nature/Nurture Debate

Back 2

The arguments concerning whether psychological characteristics are biologically innate or acquired through education, experience, and culture.

Front 3

Mind/Body problem

Back 3

A fundamental psychological issue that considers whether mind and body are separate and distinct or whether the mind is simply the subjective experience of the physical brain.

Front 4

René Decartes

Back 4

According to Decartes' theory of dualism, the mind and the body are separate yet intertwined. As discussed throughout this book, psychological scientists now reject that separation.

Front 5

Evolutionary Theory

Back 5

In psychological science, a theory that emphasizes the inherited, adaptive value of behavior and mental activity throughout the history of the species.

Front 6

Adaptations

Back 6

In evolutionary theory, the psychical characteristics, skills, or abilities that increase the chances of reproduction or survival and are therefore likely to be passed along to future generations.

Front 7

Natural Selection

Back 7

Darwin's theory that those who inherit characteristics that help them adapt to their particular environments have a selective advantage over those who do not.

Front 8

Introspection

Back 8

A systematic examination of subjective mental experiences that requires people to inspect and report on the content of their thoughts.

Front 9

Structuralism

Back 9

An approach to psychology based on the idea that conscious experience can be broken down into its basic underlying components or elements.

Front 10

Stream of Consciousness

Back 10

A phrase coined by William James to describe one's continuous series of ever-changing thoughts.

Front 11

Functionalism

Back 11

An approach to psychology concerned with the adaptive purpose, or function, of mind and behavior.

Front 12

Gesalt Theory

Back 12

A theory based on the idea that the whole of personal experience is different from simply the sum of its constituent elements.

Front 13

Unconscious

Back 13

The mental processes that operate below the level of conscious awareness.

Front 14

Psychoanalysis

Back 14

A method developed by Sigmund Freud that attempts to bring the contents of the unconscious into conscious awareness so that conflicts can be revealed.

Front 15

Behaviorism

Back 15

A psychological approach that emphasizes the role of environmental forces in producing behavior.

Front 16

Cognitive Pyschology

Back 16

The study of how people think, learn, and remember.

Front 17

Social Psychology

Back 17

The psychology of group dynamics in relation to psychological processes.

Front 18

Critical Thinking

Back 18

A systematic way of evaluating information to reach reasonable conclusions.