Key Terms and Concepts in Psychology

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in psychology, including different schools of thought, research areas, and professional applications.

Structuralism

The study of the structure of the mind, focusing on breaking down mental processes into their most basic components.

Functionalism

Focuses on the function of mental processes in enabling organisms to adapt to their environment.

Introspection

The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

Empirical Research

Research based on evidence that can be objectively tested and verified through observation and experimentation.

Behaviorism

A school of thought emphasizing observable behaviors and the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.

Consciousness

The state of being aware of oneself and one's surroundings.

Nature-Nurture

The debate over the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) to human development.

Psychoanalytic Theory/Psychoanalysis

A theory emphasizing the influence of unconscious mental processes on human behavior and development.

Humanism/Humanistic Psychology

A psychological perspective that emphasizes the inherent goodness and potential for growth in all individuals.

Developmental Psychology

The study of psychological development across the lifespan.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.

Experimental Psychology

The branch of psychology concerned with the scientific investigation of psychological processes.

Behavioral Neuroscience (and Biological Psychology)

The study of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes such as attention, memory, and problem-solving.

Personality

The study of individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Psychometrics

The science of measuring mental capacities and processes.

Educational Psychology

The study of how people learn and the development of effective teaching methods.

Health Psychology

The study of the psychological and behavioral processes in health, illness, and healthcare.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of the evolutionary roots of behavior and mental processes.

Positive Psychology

The study of the conditions and processes that contribute to flourishing or optimal functioning of people, groups, and institutions.

Clinical Psychology

The branch of psychology concerned with the assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental illness.

Counseling Psychology

The branch of psychology that assists individuals with emotional, social, educational, and career concerns.

School Psychology

The branch of psychology that works to support students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The application of psychological principles and research methods to the workplace.

Psychiatry/Psychiatrist

A branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Cognition

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Cell Assembly

A group of neurons that tends to activate together, representing a particular concept of memory.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more offspring.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Culture

The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.

Subjectivity (of experience)

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.