Scientific Foundations of Psychology
Noah Carter
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Psychology study guide covers the introduction to psychology, its historical context, and the roots of psychology (monism vs. dualism). It explores key figures in the field, core concepts and vocabulary including different schools of thought and research methods. The guide also focuses on ethical considerations in research and provides exam strategies, tips, common pitfalls, and practice questions covering key topics such as research methods, ethics, key figures, and core concepts.
#AP Psychology Study Guide: Research Methods & History 🧠
Welcome to your ultimate AP Psychology review! This guide is designed to make sure you're calm, confident, and ready to ace the exam. Let's dive in!
#1. Introduction to Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It uses research methods to develop theories about how we think and act. Remember, it's all about data and observation! 📊
#1.1 What is Psychology?
- Definition: Psychology explores the mind and behavior. It's a science! 🔬
- Goal: To understand why we do what we do. 🤔
- Methods: Psychologists use various research methods and theories to explain behaviors and mental processes.
#1.2 Historical Context
- Early Days: Psychology began with philosophical questions about the mind.
- Transition to Science: Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology lab, marking the shift to a scientific approach. 🧪
#2. Roots of Psychology: Monism vs. Dualism
#2.1 Philosophical Debates
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Monism: The mind and body are one. Knowledge comes from experience.
- Key Thinkers: Aristotle, Francis Bacon, John Locke
- Empiricism: Knowledge comes from observation and experimentation. 💡
- Tabula Rasa: Locke's idea that the mind is a blank slate at birth.
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Dualism: The mind is separate from the body. Knowledge is innate.
- Key Thinkers: Socrates, Plato, Rene Descartes
- Descartes' View: Thoughts and actions go through "hollow nerves".
| Monism | Dualism | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The mind and body are the same; knowledge grows from experience and is stored in memories. | The mind is separate from the body, therefore knowledge is born within you and the mind survives past the body. |
| Who Believed this theory | Aristotle, Francis Bacon, and John Locke believed these. Francis Bacon expanded on this theory and created the idea of empiricism,* realizing that our mind recognizes patterns. Locke thought that the mind was a blank state at birth and coined the theory "tabula rasa." | Philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Rene Descartes believed that the mind and body were separate. Rene Descartes additionally believed that thoughts and actions go through "hollow nerves." |
#3. Key Figures in Psychology
Mnemonic for Remembering Key Psychologists: We Can Do Fun Jobs Playing Sports With Wonderful Humans
- Wilhelm Wundt
- Charles Darwin
- Dorothea Dix
- Freud, Sigmund
- James, William
- **...
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