PSYCH101 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Gestalt Psychology, Null Hypothesis, Hypothalamus

• School: University of Waterloo
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYCH101
• Professor: Stephanie Denison

Document Summary

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about processes that can be observed and measured. A hypothesis is a component of a theory. A theory is a broad range of observations that also generates new hypotheses and integrates numerous findings into a coherent whole. Then we generate, discard or modify the hypotheses and confirm, strengthen or revise the original theory. The biopsychosocial model is a means of explaining behavior as a product of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors. Social - peers, family, immediate social situation - ethnicity, gender, influences. It allows for a compound explanation of behavior. Fully explaining behavior is usually only possible if multiple perspectives are incorporated. It means one has the ability to understand, analyze and apply scientific information. Popularized psychoanalysis - the approach that attempts to explain how behavior and personality are affected by unconscious processes. Empiricism - philosophical tenet that knowledge comes through experience. Determinism - belief that all events are governed by cause-effect relationships.