AP Psychology – History and Approaches (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on history and approaches in psychology.

Wilhelm Wundt

Father of psychology; opened the first psychology laboratory in 1879; studied conscious experience using introspection and the scientific method.

Structuralism

Early school of psychology seeking to identify the basic elements of consciousness through introspection (Edward Titchner).

Introspection

Self-examination of conscious thoughts and sensations used by early psychologists to study mental processes.

Functionalism

Approach focusing on the purpose of consciousness and behavior and how mental processes help adaptation (William James).

Gestalt

Holistic approach to perception; emphasizes that the whole of perception is more than the sum of its parts.

Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic

Perspective by Freud focusing on unconscious drives, childhood experiences, and dreams; emphasizes internal conflicts.

Behaviorism

School that emphasizes observable behavior and learning through conditioning; downplays internal thoughts.

Humanism

Perspective by Maslow and Rogers focusing on growth, self-actualization, and client-centered therapy.

Cognitive

Approach studying mental processes—perception, memory, thinking, problem solving, and information processing.

Neurobiology / Biopsychology / Biomedical

Biological perspective explaining behavior through brain structure, neurotransmitters, hormones, and physiology.

Evolutionary Psychology

Perspective explaining behavior through natural selection and adaptive advantages.

Sociocultural

Perspective highlighting the role of social and cultural context in shaping thoughts and behavior.

Eclectic

Approach that draws on multiple psychological perspectives as needed.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate over the influence of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) on behavior.

Continuity vs. Discontinuity

Debate about gradual development versus development in stages.

Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Subfield applying psychology to workplaces: productivity, training, recruitment.

Educational Psychology

Subfield studying how people learn and how to improve teaching and assessment.

Counseling Psychology

Subfield helping people with everyday life adjustments and coping strategies.

School Psychology

Subfield working within schools to support students’ learning and behavior.

Clinical Psychology

Subfield diagnosing and treating mental illness; research-based; distinct from psychiatry.

Developmental Psychology

Subfield studying growth and changes across the lifespan.

Personality Psychology

Subfield examining stable traits and patterns of behavior.

Social Psychology

Subfield studying how others influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Subfield investigating brain mechanisms underlying cognitive processes.

Experimental Psychology

Subfield conducting basic research to understand fundamental psychological processes.

Health Psychology

Subfield focusing on how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health and illness.

Positive Psychology

Study of strengths and well-being to help people flourish.

PERMA model

Well-being model: Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment.

Psychometrics

Field concerned with measuring psychological attributes through tests and assessments.

Aptitude & Ability Tests

Tests designed to predict potential or capacity to learn new skills.