AP Pyschology Vocab

Evolutionary Perspective

Explains behavior through the principles of natural selection and adaptation; traits that helped survival in the past influence behavior today.

Biological Perspective

Explains behavior through brain structures, neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetic influences.

Behavioral Perspective

Explains behavior through learning processes such as reinforcement, punishment, and conditioning.

Humanistic Perspective

Focuses on self-concept, self-actualization, and the drive for personal growth and fulfillment. emphasizing people’s innate goodness and their desire to achieve their full potential.

Cognitive Perspective

Explains behavior through mental processes such as thinking, memory, problem-solving, and perception.

Psychoanalytic Perspective

Explains behavior through unconscious conflicts, early childhood experiences, and repressed memories.

Social-Cultural/Cross-Cultural Perspective

Explains behavior by emphasizing the influence of society and culture on how people think, feel, and behave.

Applied Research

Research that is done to solve practical problems and improve everyday life.

Basic Research

Research that aims to increase psychological knowledge without immediate application.

Perspective

A particular approach or viewpoint used to explain behavior and mental processes in psychology.

Developmental Psychology

Study of physical, cognitive, and social changes throughout the lifespan.

Social Psychology

Scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.

Personality Psychology

Investigation of personality traits.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

The application of psychological concepts and methods optimizing human behavior in the workplace.

Clinical Psychology

The study, assessment, and treatment of people with mental illnesses.

Psychiatry

A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders. Psychiatrists are physicians (MD’s).