Psychological Perspectives & Research Methods

25 Question-and-Answer flashcards covering the seven major psychological perspectives and key research-method concepts, including theories, hypotheses, operational definitions, and three primary research designs with their advantages and disadvantages.

Which psychological perspective emphasizes the whole person and reaching one's full potential?

The Humanistic (or Positive) perspective.

List two key terms associated with the Humanistic perspective.

Client-centered therapy, unconditional positive regard, hierarchy of needs (any two).

Which perspective focuses on natural selection and evolutionary pressures?

The Evolutionary perspective.

Give two key terms linked to the Evolutionary perspective.

Adaptation, survival, selection advantage, Darwinian principles (any two).

Which perspective stresses the environment’s influence on observable behavior?

The Behavioral perspective.

Name all key concepts from the Behavioral perspective.

Conditioning, reinforcement, punishment, reward, modeling, associative learning.

Which perspective highlights genetics, biology, and anatomy in shaping behavior?

The Biological perspective.

Provide all key terms tied to the Biological perspective.

Neurotransmitters, brain anatomy, hormones, genetics, MRI, nervous system, neuron.

Which perspective emphasizes childhood experiences and unconscious conflicts?

The Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic perspective.

State two key concepts of the Psychoanalytic perspective.

Id-ego-superego, defense mechanisms, unconscious mind, projective tests (any two).

Which perspective centers on mental processes such as memory and problem-solving?

The Cognitive perspective.

Give all examples of mental processes studied in the Cognitive perspective.

Memory, language, perception, problem-solving, beliefs, self-talk, judgment.

Which perspective examines how society, norms, and culture shape behavior?

The Social-Cultural perspective.

List two key terms from the Social-Cultural perspective.

Values, norms, deviance, ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, display rules (any two).

What is a theory in scientific research?

An integrated set of ideas that explains natural events; it incorporates facts, laws, and repeated observations but does not merely describe them.

Define a hypothesis.

A specific, testable statement predicting a relationship between variables, often phrased as an “If… then…” statement.

Why are operational definitions important in research?

They precisely define variables and procedures in a study, allowing for clear testing and replication.

What is naturalistic observation?

Research that studies behavior in its natural context or setting without manipulation.

Give one advantage of naturalistic observation.

Provides varied, spontaneous, and natural responses that can generate new theories.

Give one disadvantage of naturalistic observation.

Lack of control over variables; observer bias; difficulty replicating findings.

What is a case study?

An in-depth investigation of a single individual using observations, interviews, or questionnaires.

Name one advantage of a case study.

Provides rich, focused, detailed information that can inspire new theories.

Name one disadvantage of a case study.

Findings may not generalize; subjectivity and observer bias can limit conclusions.

What is correlational research?

A study that measures two variables to determine the strength and direction of their relationship.

Why does correlation not equal causation?

Because a correlation only describes a relationship; it does not show which variable causes the other or rule out third variables.