Unit A — The Science of Psychology (PSY 1101)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms from Unit A: The Science of Psychology.

Psychology

The science of behavior and mind; studies observable behavior and inferred mental processes from biological and socio-cultural perspectives; aims to describe, predict, explain, and control behavior.

Empirical Approach

An evidence-based method using observation and data to inform knowledge of behavior and mental processes.

Critical Thinking

Thinking that questions assumptions, evaluates evidence, and considers biases before accepting conclusions.

Structuralism

Early psychology approach focusing on breaking thoughts into basic elements via introspection.

Functionalism

Theory focusing on how mental processes and behavior help organisms adapt to their environment; influenced by natural selection.

Neuroscience

Biological approach focusing on the brain and nervous system as contributors to behavior; studies brain chemicals and body influence on thoughts and mood.

Behavioral Approach / Behaviorism

Emphasizes observable behavior; behavior is shaped by environmental stimuli and learning through rewards and punishments.

Psychodynamic Approach

Focus on unconscious mental processes and motivations; originated with Freud; unconscious thoughts influence behavior.

Humanistic Approach

Emphasizes free will, personal growth, and potential; humans are not just reactive; focus on self-actualization.

Positive Psychology

Scientific study of flourishing; promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities thrive.

Cognitive Approach

Emphasizes unobservable mental processes like attention, perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Evolutionary Approach

Focus on adaptive influences of behavior; explains traits via evolution and survival.

Nature-Nurture Issues

Debate about genetic and environmental contributions to traits; today, both interact.

Natural Selection

Process by which inherited traits that aid survival/reproduction are passed on more often.

Cross-cultural Approach

Emphasizes how culture and society shape thinking and behavior.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Integrated view combining biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.

Scientific Method Theory

Explanations of behavior based on multiple observations and converging evidence; theories are not 100% proven like laws.

Hypothesis

A testable, falsifiable prediction derived from a theory.

Operational Definition

Precise, objective description of how a construct is measured and observed.

Population

The entire group of individuals that could be studied for a given question.

Sample

A portion of the population actually studied.

Random Sample

A sample that gives every member of the population an equal chance of being selected.

Correlation ≠ Causation

Correlation indicates a relationship between two variables but does not prove one causes the other.

Case Studies

In-depth study of one person or a small group, often used for atypical behavior.

Naturalistic Observation

Watching and recording behavior in its natural setting without interference.

Survey

Self-report method using questionnaires to collect attitudes and thoughts.

Experiments

Research method that manipulates an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable.

Independent Variable

The factor deliberately changed or controlled by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured in the experiment.

Experimental Group

Participants exposed to the level of the Independent Variable.

Control Group

Participants not exposed to the Independent Variable; used for comparison.

Placebo Effect

Participants experience a measurable change due to expectations, even without the real treatment.

Double-Blind Experiment

Neither participants nor researchers know group assignments until after the study.

Random Assignment

Randomly assigning participants to conditions to balance groups and ensure representativeness.