Modern Perspectives in Psychology

Psychodynamic Perspective

A theory by Sigmund Freud suggesting that forces beyond our conscious awareness determine our behavior.

Freudian slips

Unintentional errors in speech that reveal unconscious thoughts or feelings.

Behavioral Perspective

Led by John B. Watson, it emphasizes the study of overt and measurable behaviors influenced by conditioning.

Cognitive Neuroscience

A branch of neuroscience that focuses on the mapping of the brain and its functions related to mental activities.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolution influences behaviors, motivations, and cognitions as programmed in the brain.

Biological Psychology

The field that studies the relationship between biological functions and processes to behavior.

Developmental Psychology

The study of growth and changes across the lifespan.

Clinical Psychology

An application of psychology that focuses on origin and treatment of maladaptive behaviors.

Experimental Psychology

A field that examines behavior through experiments, primarily focusing on behavioral or cognitive perspectives.

School Psychology

A field focused on how children learn and the adjustments they make in school settings.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

An applied discipline that uses psychological principles to study workplace behavior and issues.

Hypothesis

An educated guess or prediction to be tested through research.

Method in Research

Systematic procedures undertaken to gather data in psychological research.

Replicability

The ability of research results to be obtained again by others following the same methods.

Descriptive Research

Systematic investigation that provides detailed characteristics or classifications of psychological constructs.

Archival Research

A method that involves examining existing data to test hypotheses.

Survey Research

A method that collects data by administering questionnaires or interviews.

Case Study

An in-depth investigation of a single individual or small group for psychological analysis.

Naturalistic Observation

Investigating behavior in its natural context without manipulation.

Correlational Research

Research examining the relationship between two sets of variables.

Experimental Research

A method that tests hypotheses through manipulation of variables in controlled settings.

Independent Variable

The item changed or controlled by the experimenter in a study.

Dependent Variable

The item measured in an experiment to determine its response to changes in the independent variable.

Experimental Manipulation

The changes made by the experimenter in the experimental setting.

Control Group

The baseline group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or manipulation.

Random Selection

A method ensuring every individual in the population has an equal chance to participate.

Random Assignment

A method where chosen participants are assigned to different groups by chance.

John B. Watson

Founder of the Behavioral Perspective, emphasizing observable behavior.

Carl Rogers

A key figure in Humanistic Psychology, focusing on personal growth and fulfillment.

Abraham Maslow

A psychologist known for Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in Humanistic Psychology.

Nervous System

The complex system of neurons that regulate behavior through physiological processes.

Reinforcement

A process through which behaviors are strengthened or weakened by consequences.

Psychological Constructs

Theoretical concepts that are used to help understand psychological phenomena.

Manipulation in Experiments

The deliberate change introduced by researchers in an experimental study.

Behaviorism

An approach in psychology that focuses solely on observable behaviors.

Mental Activities

Cognitive processes such as thinking, learning, and memory.

Treatment in Experiments

Refers to the specific manipulation given to participants in an experimental group.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach utilized by psychologists to gather knowledge about human behavior.

Abnormal Psychology

The study focused on unusual patterns of behavior that may indicate a mental disorder.

Reliability in Research

The consistency of a measure; a reliable method yields the same results under consistent conditions.

Validity in Research

The accuracy of a measure; a valid method accurately measures what it is intended to measure.

Cognitive Perspective

An approach that examines internal mental processes and how they influence behavior.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals are influenced by the social environment and the presence of others.

Ethics in Psychology

Principles that guide researchers in conducting studies responsibly and with respect for participants.