Unit 1 AP psych

empiricism/empirical methods

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

structuralism

An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind (WUNDT, TITCHENER).

functionalism

A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish (JAMES).

behaviorism/behavioral perspective

A theoretical orientation based on the premise that scientific psychology should study only observable behavior (LEARNING, REWARDS, PUNISHERS)

humanistic perspective

Perspective that emphasizes the growth potential of healthy people and the individual's potential for personal growth (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

A relatively new specialty in psychology that sees 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!)

social-cultural perspective

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

psychometrics

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

social psychology

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

applied psychology

The branch of psychology concerned with everyday, practical problems, e.g., a psychologist who works directly with a client with problems is considered an applied psychologist

industrial-organizational psychology

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

human factors psychology

A branch of psychology that 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; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical/drug treatments as well as psychological therapy. Medical degree M.D.

Mary Calkins

Denied Harvard PhD, but became first female head of American Psychological Association.

Margaret Floy Washburn

First women to get a PhD in psychology.

Gestalt psychology

Focuses on how we organize the world around us - perception. We create order out of chaos and make things "whole".

Sigmund Freud

Most famous psychologist of all time. Developed the psychoanalytic approach. Ideas heavily influenced by Darwin.

John Locke

Nurture. "tabula rasa" - we are born a blank slate.

Plato and Socrates

Knowledge is inborn/innate (NATURE)

Aristotle

Knowledge comes from experience (NURTURE)