Psych chapter 1

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, encompassing both observable actions and internal mental states.

Behavior

Overt actions that can be directly observed.

Mental Processes

Covert actions that cannot be directly observed, such as thoughts and feelings.

Empirical Evidence

Information gathered from direct observation.

Behaviorism

A psychological approach focusing on observable behavior and the consequences of actions.

Development

The study of the course of human growth and development.

Personality

The study of traits, motivations, and individual differences.

Sensation and Perception

How we come to know the world through our five senses.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of reasoning, problem-solving, and other mental processes related to human behavior.

Social Psychology

The study of how people think, act, and feel in the presence of others.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The application of psychology in the workplace.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how behavior is influenced by patterns that evolved during human history.

Forensic Psychology

The application of psychology to legal issues and the legal system.

Cultural Psychology

The study of how culture affects human behavior.

Biopsychology

The study of the brain and neurotransmitters and their influence on thoughts and behavior.

Positive Psychology

The study of human strengths, virtues, and optimal behavior.

Health Psychology

The study of the relationship between psychological factors and physical health.

Wilhelm Wundt

Known as the "Father" of Psychology; established the first lab to study conscious experience in 1879.

Structuralism

A school of thought brought to the U.S. by Titchener, focusing on breaking down experiences into basic elements.

William James

An American psychologist associated with Functionalism, studying how the mind functions to help adapt to the environment.

Functionalism

A psychological approach that emphasizes the purpose of mental processes in adapting to the environment. Associated with Evolution and Charles Darwin.

Behaviorism

A psychological perspective led by Watson and Skinner, focusing on observable behavior.

Cognitive Behaviorism

A theory by Ellis and Bandura that emphasizes the influence of thoughts on behaviors.

Gestalt Psychology

A perspective led by Max Wertheimer that studies thinking, learning, and perception as whole units.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Developed by Freud, emphasizing the influence of unconscious thoughts and desires on behavior.

Humanism

A psychological approach by Rogers and Maslow focusing on subjective human experience and innate goodness.

Self-Actualization

A concept by Maslow referring to the realization of one's full potential.

Clinical Psychologists

Professionals who treat psychological problems or conduct research on therapies and mental illnesses.

Counseling Psychologists

Professionals who address milder psychological issues, such as adjustment problems.

Psychiatrists

Medical doctors who typically use medications to treat psychological problems.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used by psychologists to construct theories and test hypotheses.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction often derived from a theory.

Operational Definition

A clear statement of the procedures used to represent a concept, allowing for real-world testing.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method involving the observation of subjects in their natural environment.

Observer Effect

Changes in a subject's behavior due to awareness of being observed.

Observer Bias

When observers see what they expect to see or only record selected details.

Correlation

A consistent, systematic relationship between two variables.

Coefficient of Correlation

A statistic ranging from -1.00 to +1.00 indicating the strength and direction of a relationship.

Positive Correlation

A relationship where increases in one variable correspond to increases in another.

Negative Correlation

A relationship where increases in one variable correspond to decreases in another.

Experimental Group

The group of subjects that receives the independent variable in an experiment.

Control Group

The group of subjects that does not receive the independent variable.

Random Assignment

A method ensuring each subject has an equal chance of being in either the experimental or control group.

Independent Variable

The condition altered by the experimenter in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that measures the outcome of an experiment.

Extraneous Variables

Conditions that researchers aim to control to prevent them from affecting the experiment's outcomes.

Placebo Effect

Changes in behavior resulting from the belief that one has received an active treatment.

Experimenter Effects

Changes in behavior caused by the unintended influence of the experimenter.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Our behavior is largely influenced by our
unconscious wishes, thoughts, and desires,
especially sex and aggression

Psychoanalysis

first talking therapy –
explored unconscious conflicts and
emotional problems

Self-fulfilling prophecy

The process by which a person’s expectations about someone can lead to that someone behaving in ways that confirm the expectations

Lab experiment

Conducted in a controlled environment where the experimenter manipulates independent variables and measures effects on dependent variables

Field Experiment

Takes place in a natural, real-world setting

Natural Experiment

Occurs naturally without manipulation by the experimenter

Single-blind study

Experimenters are aware of which participants are receiving the treatment, while participants are unaware

Double-blind study

Neither the patients nor the researchers know which study group the patients are in

Nature vs. nurture

The relative importance of an individual’s innate qualities versus personal experiences in determining or causing individual differences in physical and behavioral traits

Case study

Refers to the use of a descriptive research approach to obtain an in-depth analysis of a person, group, or phenomenon

Critical thinking

Refers to the intellectual process of analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting information and arguments in a systematic and objective manner

Edward Titchener

Structuralism (Person)

William James and Charles Darwin

Functionalism

Watson and Skinner

Behaviorism

Cognitive Psychology (Person)

Aaron Beck

Ellis and Bandura

Cognitive Behaviorism

Max Wartheimer

Gestalt Psychology (Person)

Freud

Psychoanalytic theory

Abraham Maslow

Humanism, Self-actualization