AP Psychology Unit 1 Vocab IHS

Empiricism

Knowledge comes from sensory experience and observation.

Structuralism

Analyzes consciousness into basic elements using introspection; key figures include Wundt and Titchener.

Functionalism

Studies how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environment; influenced by Darwin, with James as a proponent.

Experimental Psychology

Uses controlled experiments to study psychological phenomena.

Behaviorism

Focuses on observable behaviors and learning through conditioning; key figures include Watson and Skinner.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization; key figures include Rogers and Maslow.

Cognitive Neuroscience

Studies brain functions related to cognitive processes like memory and perception.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Nature-Nurture Issue

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

Natural Selection

Traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on; theory by Darwin.

Levels of Analysis

Different perspectives (biological, psychological, social) to understand psychological phenomena.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding behavior.

Behavioral Psychology

Studies observable behaviors and learning through conditioning.

Biological Psychology

Examines physiological bases of behavior, including brain and genetics.

Cognitive Psychology

Studies mental processes such as perception and memory.

Evolutionary Psychology

Looks at how evolutionary processes influence thoughts and behaviors.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Focuses on unconscious processes and childhood experiences; key figure is Freud.

Social-Cultural Psychology

Studies how social and cultural environments impact behavior.

Psychometrics

Involves measurement of psychological traits through tests and assessments.

Basic Research

Aims to increase fundamental knowledge without immediate practical application.

Developmental Psychology

Studies psychological changes across the lifespan.

Educational Psychology

Focuses on how people learn and effective teaching methods.

Personality Psychology

Studies individual personality traits and their influence on behavior.

Social Psychology

Examines how social interactions and societal influences affect behavior.

Applied Research

Solves practical problems using psychological principles.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Applies psychology to workplace issues like performance and behavior.

Human Factors Psychology

Designs systems and products to improve human performance and safety.

Counseling Psychology

Provides therapy for personal and emotional issues.

Clinical Psychology

Diagnoses and treats mental illnesses and emotional disturbances.

Psychiatry

Medical field diagnosing and treating mental disorders, often with medication; psychiatrists are medical doctors.

Positive Psychology

Studies and promotes positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness.

Community Psychology

Focuses on mental health and well-being within community contexts.

Testing Effect

Improved long-term memory retention from retrieval practice (testing).

SQ3R

Study method involving Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review to enhance comprehension and retention.