Psychology Theories

2024-2025

Consolidation Theory (dreams)

A theory suggesting that dreams play a crucial role in the processing and storage of memories, facilitating the consolidation of information gathered during waking hours.

Weber’s Law

A principle in psychology that states the just noticeable difference between two stimuli is proportional to the magnitude of the original stimulus.

Trichromatic Theory

A theory of color vision that suggests three types of photoreceptors in the retina work together to allow the perception of color.

Opponent-Process Theory

A psychological and biological theory that explains color vision by stating that color perception is controlled by the activity of opposing retinal processes. This theory suggests that certain colors cannot be perceived simultaneously, such as red versus green and blue versus yellow.

Place Theory

a theory in hearing that explains how our perception of sound is related to the frequency of the sound waves in different places along the cochlea.

Volley Theory

A theory of hearing that explains how groups of auditory nerve fibers respond to sound frequencies through a volley system, allowing for the perception of pitches higher than those that can be encoded by single neurons.

Frequency Theory

A theory that explains how the pitch of sound is perceived based on the frequency of nerve impulses traveling up the auditory nerve.

Gestalt Psychology

A psychological approach emphasizing that the whole of perception is greater than the sum of its parts, focusing on patterns and context in perception.

Flynn Effect

The observed phenomenon that the average IQ scores of a population tend to increase over time, suggesting environmental and cultural factors influence intelligence.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus. It was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov through experiments with dogs.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the consequences of a behavior determine whether it will be repeated. It involves reinforcement or punishment to shape behavior.

Development Psychology

The study of how people grow and change from infancy through old age, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development

A comprehensive framework outlining how children develop cognitive abilities through distinct stages, each characterized by different ways of thinking and understanding the world. These stages include: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory

A theory that emphasizes the role of social interaction and cultural context in cognitive development, suggesting that learning is deeply rooted in cultural tools and language.

Ecological Systems Theory

A framework developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner that emphasizes the impact of different environmental systems on human development, including family, school, community, and societal influences.

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development

Proposes that individuals go through eight distinct stages of development from infancy to adulthood, each characterized by a unique psychosocial crisis that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality.

These stages include:

Trust vs. Mistrust

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Initiative vs. Guilt

Industry vs. Inferiority

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Integrity vs. Despair

Drive-Reduction Theory

A theory of motivation proposing that biological needs drive behavior, aiming to reduce tension and maintain homeostasis.

Arousal Theory

A theory suggesting that individuals are motivated to maintain optimal levels of arousal, leading to behaviors that either increase or decrease stimulation.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A principle that describes the relationship between arousal and performance, stating that optimal performance occurs at an intermediate level of arousal. It suggests that both insufficient and excessive arousal can lead to poor performance.

Sensation-Seeking Theory

The theory that individuals have varying levels of motivation to seek out new and thrilling experiences, influenced by their need for stimulation.

Self-Determinism Theory

A psychological theory suggesting that individuals are motivated to grow and change through the fulfillment of inner needs and desires.

Lewin’s Motivational Conflicts Theory

A psychological theory that categorizes conflicts into approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, and approach-avoidance, explaining how individuals make choices under conflicting motivations.

Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion

Proposes that positive emotions broaden an individual's thought-action repertoire, leading to the development of personal resources and resilience.

Psychodynamic Theory

A framework in psychology that emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives and early childhood experiences on behavior and mental processes.

Humanistic Psychology

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of individual experience, focusing on concepts such as self-actualization and personal growth.

Social-Cognitive Theory

a psychological perspective that emphasizes the role of social context and cognitive processes in understanding behavior and personality development.

Trait Theory

A psychological approach that focuses on the identification and measurement of individual personality characteristics, known as traits, to predict behavior.

Big Five Theory

A model that suggests five core dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Social Influence Theory

The theory that suggests people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by interactions with others and the social context.

Health Psychology

The study of how psychological factors influence health, illness, and healthcare, focusing on how behavior, cognition, and emotions affect physical health.

Tend-and-Befriend Theory

A psychological theory suggesting that, in response to stress, individuals may seek social relationships and support rather than solely relying on fight-or-flight responses.

Positive Psychology

A psychological approach focusing on strengths, well-being, and factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.

Abnormal Psychology

the branch of psychology that studies unusual patterns of behavior, emotion, and thought. It explores mental disorders and their treatment.

Clinical Psychology

A branch of psychology focused on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, emotional disturbances, and dysfunctional behaviors.

Behavioral Perspective

A theory of psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and the effects of learning and environment on those behaviors.

Psychodynamic Perspective

a theoretical approach that emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences on behavior and personality.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes the individual's inherent drive towards self-actualization and psychological growth. It focuses on subjective experiences, personal values, and the belief in human potential.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on mental processes such as memory, problem-solving, and language, to understand behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective

Studies how evolution explains physiological processes.

Sociocultural Perspective

Examines the influences of social and cultural environments on behavior and mental processes. It emphasizes the roles of cultural norms, social practices, and group dynamics in shaping the individual.

Biological Perspective

Focuses on the biological and physiological aspects that influence behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It explores how genetics, neurotransmitters, brain structure, and other biological factors contribute to psychological processes.