AP Psychology - History and Approaches

psychodynamic approach

Approach that states that behavior reflects unconscious internal conflict between inherited instincts and society's behavioral rules

behaviorist approach

A theoretical perspective that focuses only on objective, observable reactions. Behaviorism emphasizes the environmental stimuli that determines behavior.

humanistic approach

an approach to therapy centered around the idea that people must take responsibility for their lives and actions.

cognitive approach

According to this approach, behavior is a result of information processing, such as perception, memory, thought, judgment, and decision making

biological approach

An approach to psychology in which behavior and behavior disorders are seen as the result of physical processes, especially those relating to the brain and to hormones and other chemicals

evolutionary/sociobiological approach

This approach focuses on the evolutionary origins of behavior patterns and mental processes.

sociocultural approach

A psychological perspective that examines the ways in which the social and cultural environments influence behavior.

empiricism

medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings

structuralism

a sociological theory based on the premise that society comes before individuals

functionalism

a school of psychology that focused on how mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish.

psychology

the 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

natural selection

process by which individuals that are better suited to their environment survive and reproduce most successfully; also called survival of the fittest

basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

psychiatry

A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy

clinical psychology

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