Psychology Course Overview and Key Terms

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from psychology.

Psychology

The science of behavior and mental processes.

American Psychological Association (APA)

The leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States.

Psychodynamic Perspective

Explores psychological disorders as products of unconscious dynamics, past conflicts, and childhood experiences.

Free Association

A technique where a word, picture, or idea triggers another in the mind.

Behaviorism

Views psychological disorders as learned behaviors and responses to environmental stimuli.

Cognitive Perspective

Analyzes psychological disorders through patterns of faulty or irrational thinking and beliefs.

Biological Perspective

Attributes psychological disorders to organic or neurobiological causes.

Biopsychosocial Perspective

Explains psychological disorders by considering the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Evolutionary Perspective

Investigates psychological disorders as maladaptations shaped by evolution.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek out information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs.

Hindsight Bias

The tendency to think one could have anticipated an event's outcome after it has already occurred.

Overconfidence Bias

The tendency to overestimate one’s knowledge or abilities.

Experimental Methodology

A systematic approach to testing a hypothesis by establishing causal relationships.

Correlational Studies

Research that examines the relationship between two variables, but does not imply causation.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing individuals in a real-world setting to gather authentic data.

Operational Definition

Outline of the exact procedures used in a study, including how variables are measured.

Independent Variable

The factor manipulated or controlled by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

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

Participant Sampling

The process of gathering individuals to represent a population.

Random Sampling

Each individual in a population has an equal chance of being selected for the study.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in movement, attention, learning, and emotions.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences, where behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A type of therapy that helps individuals change maladaptive thinking patterns.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

When a person's expectations influence their behavior in a way that brings about the expected outcome.

Social Learning Theory

Suggests that people learn behaviors by observing others.