Essentials in Understanding Psychology

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, mental abilities, domains of psychology, research methodologies, and variable types based on Essentials in Understanding Psychology.

Psychology

The scientific study of human behavior, mental processes, emotions, cognition, and social interactions.

Mental Abilities

The cognitive capacities that enable individuals to understand, learn, remember, reason, solve problems, and adapt to their environment.

Biological Psychology

The domain of psychology that studies how the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetics influence behavior and mental processes.

Cognitive Psychology

The domain of psychology that studies mental processes such as thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Developmental Psychology

The domain of psychology that studies human growth and change across the lifespan from infancy to old age.

Social Psychology

The domain of psychology that studies how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations.

Clinical Psychology

The domain of psychology focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders.

Sample

The group of participants selected for a research study.

Experimental Method

A research methodology that manipulates variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Control Group

The group in an experimental study that does not receive the treatment.

Experimental Group

The group in an experimental study that receives the treatment.

Descriptive Method

A research methodology that involves observing and documenting phenomena without manipulating variables.

Correlational Method

A research method that examines the relationship between two variables without establishing causation.

Qualitative Method

A research method focused on exploring an in-depth understanding of experiences, meanings, and perspectives.

Longitudinal Method

A research methodology that studies changes over an extended period of time.

Cross-Sectional Method

A research methodology that analyzes data collected at a single point in time.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher and acts as the cause or predictor of an outcome.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in a study to see the outcome or effect of the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Variables kept constant in research to avoid bias, prevent extraneous influence, and improve validity and reliability.