Chapter 1 Intro to Psychology: Open Stax Textbook

"Psyche"

Greek word meaning soul, represents humans overcoming bad in persuit of happiness

Empirical Method

Acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation rather than based only on logical argument or previous sources or beliefs.

Three reasons for studying psychology?

1. To develop critical thinking skills. 2. Familiarize self with scientific method. 3.Recognize the complexity of behavior.

biopsychology

study of how biology influences behavior

research interests: drug use

Evolutionary Psychology

Study the ultimate biological causes of behavior impacted by genetics and adaption to surroundings

drawbacks: not strong, traits have envolved, poor understanding of what conditions were

Developmental Psychology

Scientific study of development throughout lifespan

research interests: physical maturation, physical changes w/ aging

Social Psychology

Scientific study of how we interact and relate to others

Psychology

scientific study of the mind and behavior

"-ology"

meaning: the scientific study of...

theory

well-developed set of ideas that propose an explanation for observed phenomena, best understand of that part of natural world

Industrial-organizational (I-O) Psychology

subfield of psychology that applies psychological theories, principles, and research findings in industrial and organizational settings

Clinical psychology

area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior

counseling psychology

area of psychology that focuses on improving emotional, social, vocational, and other aspects of the lives of psychologically healthy individuals

Forensic Psychology

area of psychology that applies the science and practice of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system

cognitive psychology

study of cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationship to experiences and actions

research interests: attention, problem solving, language, memory

cognitive science

term used to describe interdisicplinary nature of cognitive psychology

personality psychology

study of patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique

sport and exercise psychology

area of psychology that focuses on the interactions between mental and emotional factors and physical performance in sports, exercise, and other activities

health psychology

focuses on how health is affected by the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors (biopsychosocial model)

biopsychosocial model

perspective that asserts that biology, psychology, and social factors interact to determine an individual's health

Examples of pseudosciences:

Phrenology, Physiognomy, The color top, The "Tintometer"

sensation and perception

for people interested in physiological aspects of sensory systems and psychological experience of sensory info

American Psychological Association (APA)

professional organization representing psychologists in the United States

Association of psychological sciences (APS)

wants to advance scientific orientation of psych

PsyD

(doctor of psychology) doctoral degree that places less emphasis on research-oriented skills and focuses more on application of psychological principles in the clinical context

disseratation

long research paper about research that was conducted as a part of the candidate's doctoral training

PhD

doctor of philospophy degree

postdoctoral training programs

available pre serving as faculty, allows scientists to expand their knowledge and research skills under other professionals in field