Chapter 1 Key Terms

Intro to Psychology

APA (American Psychological Association)

Professional organization representing psychologists in the United States.

behaviorism

A school focusing on observing and controlling behavior.

biopsychology

Study of how biology influences behavior.

biopsychosocial model

Perspective that biology, psychology, and social factors interact to determine an individual’s health.

clinical psychology

Area of psychology focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior.

cognitive psychology

Study of cognitions (thoughts) and their relationship to experiences and actions.

counseling psychology

Area of psychology focusing on improving emotional, social, vocational, and other aspects of the lives of psychologically healthy individuals.

developmental psychology

Scientific study of development across a lifespan.

dissertation

Long research paper about research conducted as part of the candidate’s doctoral training.

empirical method

Method for acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation, rather than solely on logic or authority.

forensic psychology

Applies the science and practice of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system.

functionalism

Focused on how mental activities helped an organism adapt to its environment.

humanism

Perspective that emphasizes the potential for good innate to all humans.

introspection

Process by which someone examines their own conscious experience to break it into its component parts.

ology suffix

Suffix that denotes “scientific study of.”

personality psychology

Study of patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique.

personality trait

Consistent pattern of thought and behavior.

PhD

Doctoral degree conferred in many disciplinary perspectives, housed in a traditional college of liberal arts and sciences.

postdoctoral training program

Allows young scientists to further develop their research programs and broaden their research skills under supervision of other professionals in the field.

psyche

Greek word for soul.

psychoanalytic theory

Focus on the role of the unconscious in affecting conscious behavior.

psychology

Scientific study of the mind and behavior.

PsyD

Doctoral degree that places less emphasis on research-oriented skills and focuses more on application of psychological principles in the clinical context.

sport and exercise psychology

Area focusing on the interactions between mental and emotional factors and physical performance in sports, exercise, and other activities.

structuralism

Understanding the conscious experience through introspection.