Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
Psychology
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Four goals of psychology
Describe, understand (explain), predict, and modify (change) behavior.
Psychoanalysis
Freud's theory attributing thoughts and actions to unconscious motives; a method of treating psychological disorders.
Behaviorism
Approach focusing on observable behavior, initially proposed by Watson, emphasizing environmental factors.
Humanism
A psychological theory that emphasizes the potential for good inherently within all people.
Cognitive Approach
An approach in psychology that emphasizes mental processes like attention, perception, memory, and problem-solving.
Sociocultural perspective
Focuses on the relationship between social behavior and culture.
Biopsychosocial approach
An integrated approach incorporating biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
Evolutionary psychology
The study of behavior and the mind through the lens of evolutionary principles.
Wilhelm Wundt
Known as the father of modern psychology; opened the first psychology laboratory in 1879 in Germany.
Edward Titchener
Student of Wundt; founder of the Structuralist school of psychology.
William James
First American psychologist and author of the first psychology textbook; known as the father of Psychology.
Mary Whiton Calkins
First female president of the American Psychological Association; conducted studies on associationism.
Francis Cecil Sumner
The Father of African American psychology; the first African American to earn a PhD in psychology.
Kenneth and Mamie Clark
Conducted the Doll Test; studied psychological effects of segregation on children.
Evelyn Hooker
American psychologist known for research on homosexuality; contributed to the removal of homosexuality from the DSM.
Martin Seligman
Known for research on learned helplessness and the development of positive psychology.
Correlational studies
Research method examining how variables are related without manipulation.
Biological Perspective
Examines human behavior from the standpoint of genetics.
Neuron
The basic cell of the nervous system that receives and transmits messages.
Dendrites
Small branches of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.
Soma
The cell body of a neuron, responsible for maintaining its functions.
Axon
Carries messages from the cell body to the axon terminals.
Myelin sheath
Protects the axon, insulates the message, and speeds up neural impulses.
Reuptake
The process of neurotransmitter reabsorption by the sending neuron.
Clinical psychology
The branch of psychology focused on studying, assessing, and treating psychological disorders.
Cognitive Psychology
The scientific study of mental activities associated with thinking and memory.
Developmental psychology
Branch of psychology studying physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan.
Social psychology
The scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another.
Industrial-organizational psychology
Application of psychological concepts to optimize human behavior in workplaces.
Biopsychology
Study of how biology influences behavior.
Forensic psychology
Application of psychology to issues within the justice system.
Naturalistic observation
Observing behavior in naturally occurring situations without manipulation.
Cerebrum
Area of the brain responsible for voluntary activities.
Cerebellum
Structure of the hindbrain that controls fine motor skills.
Limbic system
Group of brain structures involved in emotion and motivation.
Amygdala
Neural clusters in the limbic system linked to emotion.
Hippocampus
Brain structure involved in forming and indexing memories.
Hypothalamus
Neural structure that regulates maintenance activities and links to emotion and reward.
Brainstem
Oldest part of the brain responsible for automatic survival functions.
Thalamus
The brain's sensory switchboard that directs messages to appropriate sensory areas.
Basal ganglia
Set of structures directing intentional movements.
Prefrontal cortex
Part of the frontal lobe responsible for thinking, planning, and language.
Motor cortex
Area controlling voluntary movements.
Sensory cortex
Area registering and processing body sensations.
Reticular formation
Nerve network in the brainstem controlling arousal.
Wernicke's area
Brain area involved in language comprehension and expression.
Broca's area
Area of the frontal lobe directing speech muscle movements.
Nervous system
Divided into central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Spinal reflexes
Automatic responses occurring below the neck.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to regenerate neurons.
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Comprises autonomic and somatic nervous systems.
Biofeedback
Technique that teaches control over certain autonomic functions.
Endocrine system
Releases hormones to regulate bodily functions.
Pituitary gland
Master gland regulating growth hormones and other glands.
Pineal gland
Produces melatonin, controlling the sleep-wake cycle.
Thyroid gland
Produces thyroxin, affecting metabolism and brain development.
Gonads
Sex glands producing hormones affecting mood and energy.
Adrenal glands
Produce adrenaline and cortisol, affecting response mechanisms.
Nature vs. Nurture
Debate between genetic factors and environmental influences.
Monozygotic
Refers to identical twins.
Dizygotic
Refers to fraternal twins.
Illicit drugs (birth)
Linked to increased risks like miscarriage and cognitive issues.
Stages of Prenatal Development
Consists of germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages.
Language acquisition
Universal process involving stages of cooing, babbling, and simple phrases.
Psychosocial development
Erikson's theory outlining 8 stages of emotional and social growth.
Trust vs. Mistrust
First stage of psychosocial development, birth to 1 year old.
Identity vs. Role Confusion
Adolescence conflict impacting self-concept.
Reflexes
Automatic responses like grasping and rooting in infants.
Cognitive Development
Study of how thinking evolves through stages.
Piaget's Stages
Four developmental stages: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete, and formal.
Object Permanence
Understanding that objects exist even when not visible.
Conservation
Understanding that quantity remains unchanged despite appearance.
Abstract Reasoning
Ability to think logically about hypothetical concepts.
Temperament
Innate personality traits that influence behavior.
Parenting Style
Approach caregivers use to raise children.
Brain Structures
Key areas regulating functions like emotions and decisions.
Neuron Structure
Parts include dendrites, axon, soma, and synapse.
Neurotransmitter Functions
Chemical messengers affecting mood and behavior.
Freud's Psychodynamic Theory
Focus on interactions between id, ego, and superego.
Self-Actualization
Rogers' concept of realizing personal potential.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Pyramid illustrating the progression of human needs.
Locus of Control
Rotter's concept relating to control over life outcomes.
Big Five Personality Traits
Openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism.
Moral Decision-Making
Impact of personality on ethical choices.
Conservation Tasks
Experiments by Piaget demonstrating concrete operational thought.
