General Psychology Chapters 1-5 Study Guide

Definition of Psychology:

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior

Perspective: Structuralism

Understanding the conscious experience through introspection. (Wundt)

Perspective: Functionalism

Focused on how mental activities helped an organism adapt to its environment. (William James)

Perspective: Psychoanalytic Theory

Focuses on the role of the unconscious in affecting unconscious behavior. (Freud)

Perspective: Gestalt Psychology

Focuses on humans as a whole rather than individual parts. (Wertheimer, Kohler, Koffka)

Perspective: Behaviorism

Focuses on observing and controlling behavior. (Pavlov, Watson, Skinner)

Perspective: Humanism

Emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans. (Maslow and Carl Rogers)

Psychology Branches: Biopsychology

How the structure and function of the nervous system generate behavior: sleep, drug use, sensory and motor systems.

Psychology Branches: Developmental

The physical and mental attributes of aging and maturation: moral reasoning, cognitive skills, social skills.

Psychology Branches: Personality

Focuses on behaviors and thought patterns that are unique to everyone: conscious and unconscious thinking and identifying personality traits.

Psychology Branches: Social

How individuals interact and relate with others and how such interactions can affect behavior: prejudice, attraction, obedience.

Psychology Branches: Health

Focuses on how individual health is directly related or affected by biological psychological and sociocultural influences. Health is decided by an interaction of those three factors.

Psychology Branches: Clinical

Focuses on diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic behavioral patterns: clinical therapy and counseling.

Psychology Branches: Industrial - Organizational

Applies psychological theories, principles, and research to industrial and organizational settings: HR.

Psychology Branches: Sports & Exercise

Focuses on psychological aspects regarding sports and physical performance: motivation, performance anxiety, general mental well being.

Psychology Branches: Forensic

Dealing with justice system: assessment of individuals' mental competency to stand in trial, sentencing and treatment suggestions, and advisement regarding eyewitness testimonies.

Nature VS Nurture

Nature: The genetic contribution of someone’s behavior.

Nurture: The influence of the environment and how external influence contributes to someone’s behavior.