psyc chapter1

Psychology (Scientific study)

Scientific study of the mind and behavior using empirical methods and critical thinking.

Empirical method (Observation-based)

Approach to acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation, rather than logic or authority.

Scientific method (Research process)

Process involving hypothesis formation, experimentation, observation, and conclusion sharing.

Hypothesis (Tentative explanation)

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Theory (Scientific context)

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is consistently supported by evidence.

Critical thinking (Skill set)

Active application of skills to understand, evaluate, and apply information, including skepticism and logic.

Structuralism (Wundt's approach)

Focus on understanding the structure of conscious experience through introspection.

Functionalism (James's approach)

Focus on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment and function in the world.

Introspection (Self-examination)

Process of examining one’s own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

Psychoanalytic theory (Freud's theory)

Focus on the role of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences in influencing behavior.

Behaviorism (Observable behavior)

Approach focusing on observable behaviors, emphasizing learning through reinforcement and punishment.

Classical conditioning (Pavlov's learning theory)

Learning by association where a reflex is triggered by a new stimulus linked to the original stimulus.

Operant conditioning (Skinner's theory)

Learning through consequences involving reinforcement and punishment to increase or decrease behavior.

Humanism (Positive potential)

Perspective emphasizing the innate goodness of people and their capacity for personal growth.

Cognitive revolution (Mind focus return)

Shift in psychology returning attention to mental processes influenced by linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science.

Cognitive psychology (Mental processes)

Study of thoughts, memory, language, perception, and problem-solving.

Gestalt psychology (Whole perception)

Emphasis on viewing perception as a whole rather than the sum of its parts.

Multicultural psychology (Within-country culture study)

Focus on psychological research involving diverse cultural groups within a single country.

Cross-cultural psychology (Between-countries comparison)

Study comparing psychological phenomena across different cultural groups or countries.

Feminist psychology (Gender critique)

Psychological approach addressing male biases in research and advocating for equal representation of women.

Biopsychology (Brain-behavior link)

Study of how brain structure and biological processes influence behavior.

Evolutionary psychology (Adaptation focus)

Study of the biological basis of behavior through the lens of evolution and natural selection.

Sensation and perception (Sensory experience)

Study of how sensory information is received and interpreted by the brain.

Developmental psychology (Lifespan study)

Scientific study of growth and change across the human lifespan.

Personality psychology (Individual differences)

Study of patterns of thoughts and behavior that make individuals unique.

Big Five (Five Factor Model)

Personality traits including openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Social psychology (Interpersonal behavior)

Study of how individuals interact, influence, and relate to each other.

Industrial-organizational psychology (Workplace application)

Study of human behavior in workplace settings focusing on productivity, hiring, and organizational efficiency.

Health psychology (Biopsychosocial model)

Study of how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness.

Sport and exercise psychology (Performance psychology)

Study of psychological aspects of physical activity, including motivation and anxiety.

Clinical psychology (Mental disorder treatment)

Focus on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders.

Forensic psychology (Legal system application)

Focus on applying psychological principles in legal and criminal justice settings.

APA (American Psychological Association)

Largest professional organization for psychologists in the U.S. promoting psychological knowledge and practice.

PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)

Professional doctoral degree emphasizing therapy and practical psychological services over research.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Research-focused doctoral degree in psychology with emphasis on theory and experimentation.

Postdoctoral training program (Career preparation)

Research or clinical training under supervision after earning a doctoral degree to prepare for professional roles.