Unit 1 Part 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

Behavioral Approach

A psychological perspective that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways in which they are learned, often through interaction with the environment.

Humanistic Approach

A psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people, focusing on individual experiences and feelings.

Cognitive Approach

A psychological perspective that emphasizes mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, focusing on how people understand, diagnose, and solve problems.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate concerning the relative contributions of genetic inheritance (Blank) and environmental factors (Blank) to human development and behavior.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary change.

Evolutionary Approach

A psychological perspective that considers the role of evolutionary processes in shaping behavior and mental processes, emphasizing adaptation and survival.

Biopsychosocial Approach

A comprehensive perspective in psychology that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding human behavior and mental processes.

Biological Approach

A perspective in psychology that focuses on the physiological and genetic influences on behavior, emphasizing the role of the brain, neurotransmitters, and hormones.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

A professional who applies psychological principles to workplace environments, focusing on improving productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness.

Counseling Psychologist

A psychologist who provides therapeutic services to individuals dealing with emotional, social, and developmental issues, often helping clients improve their well-being and coping strategies.

Clinical Psychologist

A professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, providing therapy, and conducting psychological assessments to help individuals manage their mental health.

Psychiatry

A medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental health disorders, often involving medication management and psychotherapy.

Psychodynamic Approach

A therapeutic approach that emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and early life experiences on behavior and emotional functioning, often using techniques like free association and dream analysis.

Sociocultural Approach

A perspective in psychology that examines how social and cultural factors influence behavior, thoughts, and emotions, emphasizing the role of societal norms, values, and traditions.