Psych - 1.2

Natural Selection

nature selects the best traits for an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.

Biopsychosocial approach

formed by different levels of analysis, which considers the influences of biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors

Psychometrics

a branch of psychology devoted to studying the measurement of our abilities, attitudes, and traits

basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

developmental psychology

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span

educational psychology

the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning

personality psychology

the study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting

social psychology

the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another. 

applied research

tackling practical problems

industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists

use psychologist concepts and methods in the workplace to help organizations and companies select and train employees, boost moral and productivity, design products.

human factor psychologists

 Focus on interaction of people, machines, and physical environments

Counseling psychologists

help people to cope with challenges and crises (including academic, vocational, and marital issues) and to improve their personal and social functioning

Clinical psychologists

assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavior disorders

psychiatrists

medical doctors licensed to prescribe drugs and otherwise treat physical causes of psychological disorders

positive psychology

• Explores positive emotions, character traits, and enabling institutions

• What can psychology contribute to a “good life” that engages one’s skills, and a “meaningful life” that points beyond oneself?

Community psychologists

work to create social and physical environments that are healthy for all rather than seeking to change people to fit their environment

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning

SQ3R

a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review.

Behavioral

how we learn observable responses

• How do we learn to fear objects/situations?

Biological influences

how the body/brain enable emotions, sensory experiences, how genes combine with environment to influence individual differences

• Genetic predispositions responding to environment, hormonal influences, etc

• How do pain messages travel from hand to brain?

• How are traits like intelligence, personality, sexual orientation, etc attributable to our genes?

cognitive

how we encode, process, store, and retrieve info

• How do we use info in remembering, reasoning, solving problems, etc

evolutionary

how the natural selection of traits has promoted the survival of genes

• How does evolution influence behavior tendencies?

humanistic

how we meet our needs for love and acceptance and achieve self-fulfillment

• How can we overcome barriers to our personal growth?

psychodynamic

how behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts

• How can someone's personality traits/disorders be explained by unfulfilled wishes and childhood traumas?

Social cultural influences

how behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures

• Presence of others, cultural and family expectations, compelling models (like social media), etc

(2-1) What is psychology’s historic big issue?

→Does nurture or nature define parts of who you are? Nurture is your environment, while nature is your genes and biological makeup. Looking at nature, evolution is an aspect and how your genes are passed down from generations, with natural selection as an influence.

Explain how psychiatry is a medical specialty and not a part of pschology. Summerize the similarities and differences among counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists.

→psychiatry diagnoses and prescribed for cognitive/issues with the brain, making it medical. 

→counseling psychologists emphasize well being, adjustment, etc while also treating disorders

→clinical psychologists emphasize assessment and treatment of mental disorders from mild to sever

*What are psychology’s major levels of analysis?

→Behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, social cultural

(2-3) What are psychology’s main subfields?

→Biological psychology, Developmental psychology,Cognitive psychology, Educational psychology, Personality psychology, Social psychology, Psychometrics

George is said to have an “easy-going” personality. How might the biopsychosocial approach be used to explain an easy-going personality?

→ Biological factors: George’s genetic, physiological, and chemical makeup. For instance, George’s easy-going manner may be the result of brain chemistry.

→Psychological factors: how George learned that an easy-going personality makes people want to spend time with him. In response, he keeps anxiety and negative feelings to himself. He has the perception that others do not want to deal with his stress and anxiety.

→Social-cultural factors: George’s family or cultural upbringing and expectations. If those who surround George expect him to be relaxed and laid-back, and this is what is supported in his community, George will be likely to act accordingly