Unit 1 Vocabulary - AP Psychology (2nd Period)

First Column Vocabulary

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes

Basic Research

(fundamental or pure research) Study and research meant to increase our scientific knowledge base. Used with intent of increasing our understanding of certain phenomena or behavior.

Applied Research

Scientific study that focuses on solving problems and creating new technologies. Main purpose: apply research to real-world situations.

Testing Effect

Long-term memory is increased when part of the learning period is devoted to retrieving information from memory through practice

Structuralism

Perspective founded by Wilhelm Wundt. Seeks to break down consciousness to its basic elements without sacrificing any of the properties of the whole.

Functionalism

Perspective founded by William James. Suggests that the mind’s primary purpose is to help humans adapt to their environment. This approach focuses on the overall function of the brain in fulfilling practical needs, rather than analyzing its separate components.

Behaviorism

Proposed by John B Watson. Focuses on how people learn through their interactions with the environment. Idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning (learning), which is a process of reinforcement and punishment.

Psychoanalysis

Sigmund Freud - behavior is influenced by the unconscious mind, often in the form of dreams

Gestalt

Perspective that suggests the whole of anything is greater than its parts. States that people tend to see the big picture.

Biological Approach

Modern approach that emphasizes influence of biology on behavior. Ex. Brain, Genetics, Neuroscience

Behavior Genetics

Study of the influence of an organism's genetic makeup on its behavior and the interaction between genetics and environment as they influence behavior

Evolutionary Approach

Study of behavior, thought, and feeling as viewed through the lens of evolutionary biology

Psychodynamic Approach

Proposed by Sigmund Freud, focuses on internal, unconscious mental forces that individuals are usually unaware of, but drive emotions and actions

Behavioral Approach

(Learning theory) Proposed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on how people learn through their interactions with the environment

Cognitive Approach

Assumes that people's interpretations of events cause their reactions to events and that there is an internal process that occurs between when a stimulus happens and when you respond to it (Event → Interpretation → Reaction)

Neuroscientific Approach

investigates the structure and function of the brain

Humanistic Approach

Perspective that emphasizes looking at the whole individual using the concept of capacity for self-actualization, self-fulfillment, and validation. Argues that people are free to choose their own lives and make their own decisions, focusing on the underlying motivations that drive personality, self-concept, and self-esteem

Sociocultural Approach

Modern approach that examines how people’s behavior is affected by culture and society

Biopsychosocial Approach

An integrated approach that combines three different perspectives: biological, psychological, and social-cultural