General Psychology 2301 Chapter 1 with Complete Solutions

General Psychology 2301 Chapter 1 with Complete Solutions Psychology The science of behavior and mental processes science The use of systematic methods to observe the natural wolrd, including human behavior and to draw conclusions behavior A field of psychology that concentrates on observable, measurable behaviors and not on mental processes mental processes The thoughts, feelings, and motives that each of us experiences privately but that cannot be observed directly critical thinking The process of reflecting deeply and actively, asking questions, and evaluating the evidence empirical method Gaining knowledge through the observation of events, the collection of data, and logical reasoning positive psychology A branch of psychology that emphasizes human strengths. structuralism William Wundt's approach to discovering the basic elements, or structures, of mental processes; so called because of its focus on identifying the structures of the human mind functionalism William Jame's approach to mental processes, emphasizing the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in the individual's adaptation to the environment natural selection Charles Darwin's theory that the features of an organism that help it survive and reproduce are more likely than other features to be passed on to subsequent generations. biological approach An approach to psychology focusing on the body, especially the brain and nervous system. neuroscience The scientific study of the structure, function, development, genetics, and biochemistry of the nervous system, emphasizing that the brain and nervous system are central to understanding behavior, thought, and emotion behavioral approach An approach to psychology emphasizing the scientific study of observable behavioral responses and their environmental determinants. psychodynamic approach An approach to psychology emphasizing unconscious thought, the conflict between biological drives (such as the drive for sex) and society's demands, and early childhood family experiences. humanisitc approach An Approach to psychology emphasizing a person's positive qualities, the capacity for positive growth, and the freedom to choose any destiny cognitive approach An approach to psychology emphasizing the mental processes involved in knowing: how we direct our attention, perceive, remember, think, and solve problems. evolutionary approach An approach to psychology centered on evolutionary ideas such as adaptation, reproduction, and natural selection