Psych

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.