unit 1

Structuralism

Utilized introspection to uncover the underlying structures of the mind

Functionalism

Focuses on analyzing the purpose of behavior

Evolutionary

Emphasizes the role of genes in behavior and mental processes

Humanistic

Centers on concepts like free will, choice, and self-actualization

Biological

Involves the study of the brain and neurotransmitters

Cognitive

Examines perceptions and thoughts

Behavioral

Concerned with learned behaviors and reinforcement

Psychoanalytic/dynamic

Explores the impact of the unconscious mind and childhood experiences

Sociocultural

Considers the influence of society on behavior and mental processes

Biopsychosocial

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors

Experiment

Research method allowing control over variables to establish cause and effect

Independent Variable

Manipulated by the researcher

Experimental Group

Receives the treatment being studied

Control Group

Serves as a comparison group, often receiving a placebo or baseline treatment

Placebo Effect

Occurs when behaviors are influenced by receiving a placebo

Double-Blind

Experiment where neither participants nor experimenters know the conditions

Dependent Variable

Measured outcome dependent on the independent variable

Operational Definition

Clear, quantifiable definition of variables for replication

Confound

Error or flaw in a study

Random Assignment

Assigns participants randomly to groups to minimize bias

Random Sample

Method for selecting participants to reduce bias

Reliability

Consistency in results over repeated trials

Naturalistic Observation

Observing individuals in their natural environment

Correlation

Identifies relationships between variables without establishing causation

Inferential Statistics

Determines the significance of research findings

Ethical Guidelines (APA)

Include confidentiality, informed consent, debriefing, and warranted deception