Ap psych vocab

behaviorism

Historical perspective associated with Ivan Pavlov (Russia) and John Watson (U.S.) which studied learned responses and focused solely on observable behavior

psychodynamic perspective

Modern perspective based on Freud's theory of psychoanalysis and the role of the unconscious

Biological perspective

Modern perspective which focuses on the biological influences on our behavior and thinking

Evolutionary perspective

Modern perspective that explains behavior and thinking as the result of natural selection (Darwin)

Cognitive neuroscience

The study of how changes in the brain and the nervous system influence thinking, perception and memory

Health psychologist

A psychologist who conducts research and shares information to help ordinary people become happier and healthier (positive psychology)

Empiricism

The view that knowledge originates in experience and, therefore, science should rely on observation and experimentation

Human factors psychologist

focus on the interaction of people, machines, and physical environments

Nature v. Nurture

The debate about whether humans behavior and thinking is influence more by genetics or learning from our environment.

Biopsychosocial approach

The idea that humans behavior and thinking is influenced by biological, psychological and environmental factors all at the same time.

psychometrics

The measurement of psychological traits and characteristics in humans

Developmental psychology

The study of how human behavior and thinking changes from birth to old age

Social psychology

The study of how humans behavior and thinking is affected by the real or perceived presence of others.

Basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

Applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

Nurture

environment

Nature

Genetics

Psychology

the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Structuralism

Historical perspective associated with Wilhelm Wundt (Germany) and Edward Titchener, which focused on the basic elements of human thought

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Functionalism

Historical perspective associated with William James which focused on how the mind adapts so that we can live, work, and play

Psychoanalysis

Historical perspective associated with Sigmund Freud which focused on the role of the unconscious in our behavior and thinking

Humanism

Modern perspective associated with Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers which focuses on human potential, personal growth and free will

Cognitive perspective

Modern perspective which focuses on thinking, problem solving and intelligence

Sociocultural perspective

Modern perspective which focuses on the influence of our culture and society on the way the think and act

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in mental health and can prescribe medication

Psychologist

General term for anyone with a graduate (usually a PhD) degree in one or more areas of psychology

Clinical psychologist

A psychologist who uses talk therapy to treat clients with psychological disorders

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Psychoanalyst

A psychotherapist who specializes in the use of psychodynamic (Freudian) techniques such as free association and dream analysis

Community psychologist

A social worker who specializes in the treatment of clients with mental health issues often focusing on environmental (living) conditions

Experimental psychologist

A psychologist who conducts research, generally at a university

Industrial/organizational psychologist

A psychologist who works with businesses maximize human potential in the workplace

Forensic psychologist

A psychologist who provides assessments in the context of the court or law enforcement systems