MHS AP Psych Modules 1-3

MHS

Why is the field of psych considered a study?

• Many beliefs of psych. are the result of scientific studies/experiments

• Psychology follows the scientific method

• Peer reviewed research

Curiosity

Willingness to challenge new ideas and innovate. Leads to scientific research being conducted later on.

Skepticism

Not being a cynic and denying everything, but not being gullible and believing everything. Allows for critical thinking and accepting solutions not seen at first glance.

Humility

Accepting that someone else’s idea is right and yours maybe wrong. Openness allows for more benefits for everyone.

What is the importance of Critical Thinking in Psych?

Critical thinking allows people to formulate hypotheses, run experiments, collect data, and then evaluate that data rather than just jumping straight to conclusions.

Definition of pyschology is the Science and Behavior of mental processes. Describe these in your own words.

Behavior: An action exhibited by something

Science: Evaluating different ideas through experiments
Mental Processes: Internal experiences gotten from behaviors (Thoughts, beliefs, feelings)

Describe nature vs nurture

• Nature is the belief that human behavior is inherited through genes

• Nurture is the belief that human behavior is shaped by your environment and those around you

Describe the biopsychosocial approach to psych?

A person’s behavior is viewed holistically (all encompassing) through their biology, psychology (cognitive) and social factors.

Behavioral

How is the observable behavior learned. Positive reinforcement of good actions and bad reinforcement of not good actions.

Biological

How does the body/brain influence behaviors. What role does the genetic makeup play?

Cognitive

How do we process and utilize information. This field involves overworrying thoughts, overly negative thoughts and perceptions, Maladaptive thoughts.

Evolutionary

How does our need to survive and reproduce shape our actions.

Humanism

How can we help people achieve and become their full self. “Self-Actualization”

Psychodynamic

How does trauma from the past resurface and influence the behavior of our current selves through unconscious factors/actions

Social-Cultural

How is behavior influenced by culture and society as a whole? How are we affected by those around us?

Describe and give an example of the practice in detail: 1. Sleep

Getting a full and good night of sleep. Ex: Going to bed early and not using electronics before sleep.

2: Testing effect

• Testing yourself with practice problems, actively recalling info. Ex: Doing some math problems before a test, and not just rereading notes.

3: Distributed vs Mass Practice

Practicing/studying over multiple instead of cramming the day before a test. Studying longer like that is proven to be more effective.

Difference between basic vs applied research

Basic (or pure) research aims to expand what we currently know about the field of psychology. Applied research aims to take that knowledge and apply it to real situations in life.

Examples of basic and applied psychologists

Basic

• Biological Psychologists

• Social

• Educational

• Developmental

Applied

• Psychiatrists diagnose and provide medicine to those with mental disorders

• Forensic psychologists analyze the thoughts and behaviors of those who commit crimes

• Industrial-Occupational psychologists work with people in the workplace to help improve the experience

Why is psychology a helping profession. Give examples of “helping” psychologists

• Psychology aims to help people who are oftentimes struggling in a society where mental disorders have been traditionally a “hush” topic

• Applied or basic research aims to understand human behavior and use it to our advantage to help people

• Clinical psycholgists help those who have mental disorders

• Counseling psychologists may help people transition from one point to another in their lives.