PSYC 1001 Chapter 1-8: Key Words and Points of Chapter 1-8.docx
22 Dec 2013
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Structuralism (edward titchener) was based on the notion that the task of psychology is to analyze consciousness into its basic elements and investigate how these elements are related; depends on introspection. Introspection is the careful systematic self-observation of ones own conscious experience. Example: concentrating on cold bubbly sweet soft drink. Functionalism (william james) was based on the belief that psychology should investigate the function or that psychology should investigate the function or purpose of consciousness rather than its structure. He stated that consciousness consists of a continuous flow of thought, which he called stream of consciousness. Natural selection (charles darwin) is the heritable characteristics that provide a survival or reproductive advantage; they are more likely than alternative characteristics to be passed on the subsequent generations and thus come to be selected over time. Behaviorism (john b. watson) is a theoretical orientation based on the premise that scientific psychology should study only observable behaviour; prior experience is essential.
