Unit 0 History and Approaches

empiricism/empirical methods

Information is collected by objective observations and experimentation using the scientific method.

behaviorism/behavioral perspective

Focuses on explaining observable behaviors. We behave in ways because we have been conditioned to do so. Skinner (LEARNING, REWARDS, PUNISHERS)

humanistic perspective

Perspective that emphasizes the GROWTH POTENTIAL of healthy people and the individual's potential for personal growth- think Maslow and Carl Rogers (NEEDS, SELF-ACTUALIZATION)

biological/biopsychological perspective

Looking at the physical and genetic determines of behavior (BRAIN, BODY, GENES, HORMONES)

psychology

Scientific study of behavior and mental processes

nature-nurture issue

The longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors

Survival of the Fittest (Natural Selection)

Process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully (related to evolutionary approach)

biopsychosocial approach

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis (ECLECTIC)

evolutionary perspective

Explains behavior and mental processes in terms of their genetic adaptations for survival and reproduction (SURVIVAL VALUE, OFFSPRING)

psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective

A branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders (UNCONSCIOUS, CHILDHOOD)

cognitive perspective

an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes (thinking) and how we view the world.

social-cultural perspective

the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking (SOCIETY, CULTURE, GROUPS)

psychometrics

These people eevelop and administer tests. The scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

basic research

Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

developmental psychology

A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span

educational psychology

the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning

personality psychology

the study of an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling and acting

social psychology

The scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another

applied research

Research designed to help with everyday, practical problems.

industrial-organizational psychology

Uses psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces (HR help, employee incentive programs)

human factors psychology

Explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use (psychology + engineering)

counseling psychology

A branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being

clinical psychology

A branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders

psychiatry

A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders;able to prescribe medical/drug treatments as well as psychological therapy. Medical degree M.D.

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

positive psychology

the scientific study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive

testing effect

Repeated self-testing. Enhances memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information.

biological psychology

a branch of psychology concerned with the links between biology and behavior

cognitive psychologists

Experiment with how we perceive, think, and solve problems

forensic psychologist

psychologist who applies psychology to law and legal proceedings

School Psychologist

Assesses and counsels students, consults with educators and parents, and performs behavioral intervention when necessary

health psychologists

Psychologists who study the effects of behavior and mental processes on health and illness, and vice versa

Environmental psychologists

study the interaction of individuals with their natural and urban environments. Focus on conservation.

Sports Psychologist

Helps athletes improve their focus, increase motivation, and deal with anxiety and fear of failure