The Story of Psychology

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the story of psychology and its main schools of thought.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Behaviorism

A school of thought that defines psychology as the scientific study of observable behavior without reference to mental processes.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind.

Functionalism

A school of psychology that focused on how mental and behavioral processes function, emphasizing adaptive value.

Cognitive Psychology

The branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Humanism

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of the whole person and the importance of personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

Positive Psychology

The scientific study of human flourishing and the factors that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Psychological Influences

Learned fears, emotional responses, and cognitive processing that affect behavior.

Social-Cultural Influences

The presence of others and societal expectations that influence behavior.

Neuroscience Perspective

Focuses on how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Explores how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior.

Behavior Genetics

Studies how our genes and our environment influence our individual differences.

Cognitive Neuroscience

An interdisciplinary field that ties cognitive processes with brain activity.

SQ3R Method

A study method that includes Survey, Question, Read, Rehearse, and Review strategies for effective learning.