Cognitive Psychology
the scientific study of mental processes, including perception, thought, memory, and reasoning
cognitive neuroscience
cognitive psychology + neuroscience
Empiricism
the view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, therefore, rely on observation and experimentation
Structuralism
an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind
Behaviorism
the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).
Functionalism
A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.
humanistic psychologists
a historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and individual's potential for fostering personal growth
critical thinking
thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Introspection
examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
behavioral psychology
the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning
biopsychological approach
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
positive psychology
the scientific study of optimal human functioning; aims to discover and promote strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive
Culture
the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next
behavior genetics
the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior
evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Natural selection
inherited variation those contributing to reproduction and survival will pass on succeeding generations
nature-nurture issue
the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today's science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture
Psychology
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
psychiatry
a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy
counseling psychology
a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being
community psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups
applied research
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems
personality psychology
the study of an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting
human factors psychology
a field of psychology allied with I/O psychology that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use
social psychology
the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another
industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology
the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces
clinical psychology
a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders
educational psychology
the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning
developmental psychology
a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span
biological psychology
a branch of psychology that studies the links between biological (including neuroscience and behavior genetics) and psychological processes
psychodynamic psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders
social-cultural psychology
the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information (also referred to as retrieval practice effect)
SQ3R
a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review
Psychometrics
the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits
basic research
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base