Psychological Science, 2 ed.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychological Science

Chapter Outline

• Reduce Text Size (css supported browser only)
• Enlarge Text (css supported browser only)
• Email this Page to a Friend
• Print this Page

• The Principles of Psychological Science Are Cumulative
• A New Biological Revolution Is Energizing Research
• The Mind Is Adaptive
• Psychological Science Crosses Levels of Analysis

• The Nature-Nurture Debate Considers the Impact of Biology and Environment
• The Mind-Body Problem Has Challenged Philosophers and Psychologists
• Evolutionary Theory Introduces Natural Selection

• Experimental Psychology Begins with Structuralism
• Functionalism Addresses the Purpose of Behavior
• Gestalt Psychology Emphasizes Patterns and Context in Learning
• The Unconscious Influences Everyday Mental Life
• Most Behavior Can Be Modified by Reward and Punishment
• How People Think Affects Behavior
• Social Situations Shape Behavior
• Psychological Therapy Is Based on Science

• Subdisciplines Focus on Different Levels of Analysis
• Psychological Knowledge Is Used in Many Professions
• People Are Intuitive Psychological Scientists
• Psychological Sciences Require Critical Thinking