Unit 1 SG Psychology

Psychoanalytic Theory

A theory that emphasizes the importance of unconscious processes and childhood experiences in the development of mental disorders.

Cognitive Psychologist

A psychologist who studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving.

Developmental Psychologist

A psychologist who studies the psychological changes that occur as a person grows and develops.

BF Skinner

Known for his work in behaviorism and the use of operant conditioning.

John Watson

Considered the father of behaviorism, focused on observable behaviors.

Sigmund Freud

Known for founding psychoanalysis and emphasizing the role of the unconscious mind.

William James

Often referred to as the father of American psychology; known for functionalism.

Wilhelm Wundt

Considered the father of modern psychology; established the first psychological laboratory.

Edward Titchener

Known for developing structuralism and introspection as a method.

Structuralism

An approach that focuses on breaking down mental processes into their basic components.

Functionalism

An approach that focuses on the purpose of mental processes and behaviors.

Introspection

A method of self-observation used to examine one's conscious thoughts and feelings.

Longitudinal Study

A research method that involves repeated observations of the same variables over long periods.

Cross-sectional Study

A study that analyzes data from a population at a specific point in time.

Experiment

A research method that manipulates one variable to determine its effect on another.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of an individual, group, or phenomenon.

Survey

A research method that involves collecting data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires.

Correlational Research

A research method used to assess the relationship between two variables.

Population

The entire group of individuals or instances about whom the research is concerned.

Sample

A subset of a population used to represent the entire group.

Random Sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment; it is affected by the independent variable.

Confounding Variables

Uncontrolled variables that might affect the results of an experiment.

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon in which patients experience a benefit due to their belief in the efficacy of a treatment.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables where an increase in one variable is associated with an increase in the other.

Negative Correlation

A relationship between two variables where an increase in one variable is associated with a decrease in the other.

Statistical Reliability

Refers to the consistency of a measure; a reliable test yields the same results under consistent conditions.

Mean

The average of a set of numbers, calculated by adding them up and dividing by the count.

Median

The middle value of a data set when the numbers are arranged in order.

Mode

The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Standard Deviation

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values.

Ethical Guidelines

Standards established by organizations to ensure the ethical treatment and safety of research subjects.

Debriefing

The process of informing participants about the nature of a study after it has been conducted, including its purpose and methodology.

APA

American Psychological Association; sets ethical guidelines for psychology research.