Unit 0 Part 1 - History and Approaches

Biological Psych (Biopsych)

The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neutral, hormonal) and psychological processes

Psychodynamic Psych

theories that view personality with a focus on the unconscious mind and the importance of childhood experiences

Behavioral Psych

a psychological theory and approach that focuses on the observable behaviors and they are learned through environmental interactions

Humanistic Psych

theories that view personality with a focus on the potential for healthy personal growth

Cognitive Psych

the mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experiences, and the senses

Evolutionary Psychology

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

Social - Cultural Psychology

examines how social contexts and cultural beliefs influence human behaviors, thought processes, and development

Empiricism

that view that knowledge originates from experience and that science should rely on observation and experimentation

Functionalism

a school of thought in psychology that focuses on the purpose and function of mental processes and behaviors rather than their basic components

Structuralism

the theory that mental processes can be understood by breaking down consciousness into its basic elements, such as sensations, images, and feelings, using a method called introspection

Natural Selection

the principle that the inherited traits enabling an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

Applied Research

the systematic investigation of real-world problems to find practical solutions and enhance human well-being

Basic Research

conducted to expand scientific knowledge and understanding of psychological phenomena, rather than to solve immediate practical problems

Psychometrics

the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits

Human Factors Psych

a field of psychology allied with I/O psychology that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use

Clinical Psych

focussed on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

Counseling Psych

a field of psychology focused on helping individuals with everyday life challenges, such as emotional, social, vocational, and educational issues, by promoting well being and addressing problems across the lifespan

Psychiatry

a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

Control

A goal of psychology which attempts to alter the conditions that influence behavior

Description

A goal of psycholofy which attempts to label and classify behaviors

Determinism

The idea that all behaviors have prior causes that would completely explain ones choices and actions, if all such causes were known

Free Will

The idea that human beings are capable of freely making choices and decisions

Gestalt Psychology

An early branch of psychology emphasizing the study of thinking, learning, and perception in whole units; not by examining individual parts

Introspections

To look within; to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, or sensations

Prediction

A goal of psych which attempts to accurately forecast behavior

Understaing

A goal of psych which attempts to state the causes of behavior