AP Psychology Unit 0

Biological psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on how biology influences behavior

Psychodynamic psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior

Behavioral psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and environmental factors

Humanistic psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on human potential and self-actualization

Cognitive psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving

Empiricism

The view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should rely on observation and experimentation

Natural selection

The process by which inherited traits that increase survival and reproduction are passed on

Applied research

Research that aims to solve practical problems

Basic research

Research that aims to increase knowledge and understanding

Psychometrics

The science of measuring mental capacities and processes

Human Factors psychology

Studies how humans interact with machines and technology

Clinical psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders

Psychiatry

A branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders

Counseling psychology

A branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living and in achieving greater well being

Control

A goal of psychology which attempts to alter conditions that influence behavior

Description

A goal of psychology which attempts to classify and label behaviors.

Determinism

Idea that all behavior has prior causes that would completely explain one's choices and actions

Free will

Idea that human beings are capable of freely making choices or decisions

Introspection

To look within; to examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or sensations

Prediction

A goal of psychology which attempts to accurately forecast behavior

Understanding

A goal of psychology which attempts to state causes of a behavior

Evolutionary Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

Social - Cultural Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking