Unit 0 pt. 1 - History and Approaches - Vocab List

AP Psych

Biological Psych

an organism’s behavior can be explained by genetics, bodily structures, and biochemical processes

Psychodynamic

Behavior is determined by forces beyond our conrol

Behavioral Psych

How organisms learn new behaviors or modify existing ones

Humanistic Psych

Humans are free, rational beings with the potential for personal growth

Cognitive Psych

Human behavior can be understood by examining how people aquire, store, and process information

Evolutionary Psychology

How the natural selection of traits promoted the survival of genes

Social/Cultural Psychology

How behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures

Natural Selection

the process in evolution by which organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring

Applied Research

reseach done to solve immediate practical problems

Basic Research

research done without concern for immediate practical application aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

Psychometrics

the science of measuring mental capacities and processes

Human Factors Psych

an applied science that uses knowledge of human abilities, limitations, and behaviors to design systems, products, and environments for better safety, performance, and user satisfaction

Clinical Psych

the practice of assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders by applying the science of psychology to complex human problems

Counseling Psych

a specialty in psychology that focuses on improving overall well-being by addressing emotional, social, vocational, and developmental concerns across the lifespan

Psychiatry

the branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness

Control

A goal of psychology which attempts to alter the conditions that influence behavior

Description

A goal of psychology which attempts to label and classify behaviors

Determinism

The idea that all behaviors have prior causes that would completely explain one’s choices and actions, if all such causes were known

Free Will

The idea that human beings are capable of freely making choices and decisions

Gestalt Psychology

An early branch of psychology emphasizing the study of thinking, learning, and perception in whole units; not by examining individual parts

Introspection

To look within; to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, or sensations

Prediction

A goal of psych which attempts to accurately forecast behavior

Understanding

A goal of psych which attempts to state the causes of behavior