AP PSYCH - Unit 1 (Intro to Psych)

Psychology

the study of human thought processes and human behavior

Nature vs. Nurture Argument

-Nature (innate behavior): determined by our inherited genetic structure

-Nurture (learned behavior): learning/experience resulting from outside factors such as parents, media, peers, & religion

Industrial Organizational Psych

applies psychological concepts in the workplace to increase productivity

Educational Psych

studies the diff. influences on teaching and learning

Developmental Psych

studies the ways in which we change/stay the same from birth to death

Human Factors Psych

studies the interaction of humans & machines, and designs machines that are safe & user-friendly

Psychiatry

concerned with the treatment of mental illness/medication prescription

Criminal Psychology

studies the minds/patterns of behavior of criminals/analyze crime scenes

Cognitive Neuroscience

studies the brain and how it affects cognitive abilities (attention, focus, memory, etc.)

Counseling Psychology

assists people with problems of NORMAL LIFE related to work, family, or marriage

Community Psychology

implements programs aimed at increasing the mental health in the community

Clinical Psychology

treats people with psychological disorders

Research Psychology

formulates questions and designs research studies that gather data to help answer those questions

Psychometrics

analyze statistical data from psychological research studies

-linked to research psychology

Humanistic Perspective

(used for positive psych.)

potential, the good in you, strengths --> we look at progress, goals, purpose

Evolutionary Perspective

From this perspective, we look like another animal. --> We study evolution, natural selection, and ADAPTATIONS/SURVIVAL INSTINCTS.

Behavioral/Learning Perspective

From this perspective, we look like programmed robots. --> We study learned behaviors and conditioned responses.

Psychodynamic Perspective

From this perspective, we look like the unconscious mind. --> We study stored/internalized/repressed experiences, defense mechanisms, dreams, and past traumas.

Biological Perspective

physical body, brain, hormones, nervous system, muscles, neurotransmitters --> We look at hormone levels, neurotransmitter balances, etc.

Socio-cultural Perspective

relationships, environments, social groups: sports teams, teachers, friends, family, etc.

Cognitive Perspective

memories, thoughts, problem-solving, perception, etc.

Biopsychological Perspective

From this multi-dimensional perspective (biological/cognitive/socio-cultural), we look like our brain, thoughts, and environment. --> We study our complexity and integration of disciplines to understand our nature.