Chapter 1- Introduction to Psychology (1)

Psychology

The scientific study of mind and behavior.

Psyche

A Greek word meaning "soul."

Ology

A suffix that denotes "scientific study of."

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested.

Introspection

The process by which someone examines their own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that aimed to identify the components of consciousness and how they combine.

Functionalism

A perspective in psychology that focuses on how mental activities help an organism fit into its environment.

Behaviorism

An approach that focuses on observing and controlling behavior rather than unobservable mental processes.

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory that focuses on the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

Humanism

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the potential for good inherent in all humans.

Cognitive Psychology

The area of psychology that focuses on the study of cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationship to experiences and actions.

Developmental Psychology

The scientific study of development across the lifespan.

Clinical Psychology

The area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

Forensic Psychology

A branch of psychology that deals with legal issues and the justice system.

Critical Thinking

The active application of a set of skills to information for understanding and evaluation.

Biopsychosocial Model

An approach to understanding health that focuses on the interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors.

Operant Conditioning

A method of learning that occurs through reinforcements and punishments.

Cognitive Revolution

A shift back to studying mental processes in psychology, emphasizing the importance of cognition.

Big Five Personality Traits

A model for understanding personality that includes openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Empirical Method

A method for acquiring knowledge based on observation and experimentation.

Cognitive Science

An interdisciplinary field that combines cognitive psychology with perspectives from linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science.

Sensation and Perception

The study of how sensory information is received and transformed into perceptual experiences.

American Psychological Association

An organization representing psychologists in the United States.

Behaviorism

Focus on observing and controlling behavior.

Cognitive Psychology

Study of cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationships to experiences and actions.

Positive Psychology

Area of psychology focusing on improving aspects of life for psychologically healthy individuals.

Developmental Psychology

Scientific study of development across the lifespan.

Dissertation

Long research paper about research conducted during doctoral training.

Empirical Method

Method for acquiring knowledge based on observation and experimentation.

Forensic Psychology

Application of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system.

Functionalism

Perspective that focuses on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.

Personality Trait

Consistent pattern of thought and behavior.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy; doctoral degree conferred in many disciplines.

Postdoctoral Training Program

Training for young scientists to further develop their research programs under supervision.

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Area of psychology focusing on interactions between mental/emotional factors and physical performance.

Structuralism

Understanding conscious experience through introspection.