Key Concepts in Psychology

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions from the field of psychology, providing a foundational understanding of key concepts.

Psychology

The scientific study of human thought and behavior.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology founded by Edward Titchener that focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic components.

Functionalism

An early psychological perspective developed by William James that emphasizes the function of mental processes in adapting to the environment.

Introspection

A method of self-observation in which participants report their thoughts and feelings.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behavior over internal mental processes.

Psychoanalytic approach

Developed by Sigmund Freud, it focuses on the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences.

Humanistic psychology

An approach that emphasizes personal growth and the concept of self-actualization.

Cognitive psychology

The study of mental processes such as perception, memory, and reasoning.

Biopsychosocial model

A framework that recognizes the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior and treatment.

Evolutionary psychology

An approach that examines psychological traits—such as memory, perception, and language—from a modern evolutionary perspective.

Sociocultural approach

A perspective that examines how social and cultural environments influence behavior.

Gestalt psychology

A psychological approach that emphasizes that the whole of anything is greater than its parts.

Id, ego, superego

Freud's structural model of personality: the id is primal desires, the ego is the realistic part, and the superego acts as a moral conscience.

Empiricism

The theory that all knowledge is based on experience derived from the senses.

Cognitive development

The progression of thinking, problem-solving, and understanding throughout a person's lifespan.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

Classical conditioning

A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus.

Operant conditioning

A method of learning that employs rewards and punishments for behavior.

Developmental psychology

The study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life.

Industrial-organizational psychology

The application of psychological concepts and methods to optimize human behavior in workplaces.

Clinical psychology

A branch of psychology focused on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

Counseling psychology

A field that focuses on helping individuals cope with life challenges and transitions.

Neuropsychology

A branch of psychology that studies the relationship between brain function and behavior.

Psychometric psychology

The science of measuring mental capacities and processes.