AP Psychology - Unit 1, Module 2

Big Issues and Approaches

What is Psychology’s biggest issue"?

Nature vs. Nurture

Nature is (define)

our genetics determine our behavior: personality traits, abilities

Nurture is (define)

our environment, upbringing, and life experiences determining our behavior

Approaches are the same as . . .

perspectives - can be used interchangeably

What are approaches?

ways of explaining/looking behavior through different lenses

Behavioral is (define)

the scientific study of observable behavior and its explanation by principles of learning

Biological is (define)

the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes

Cognitive is (define)

the scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating

Evolutionary is (define)

the study of evolution of behavior and mind using principles of natural selection

Humanistic is (define)

the study of all the growth potential of healthy people and how our environmental influences can make a difference in our growth

Psychodynamic is (define)

a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders

Social-Culture is (define)

the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking

Subfield/Domains of psychology is (define)

usually draw from several approaches and can be categorized into two areas of research: basic and applied

Basic Research is (define)

refers to research aimed at expanding the exisiting base of scientific knowledge

Applied Research is (define)

the research that is designed to solve specific practical problems or answer certain questions

Developmental Psychology is (define)

studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan

Educational Psychology is (define)

the study of how psychological processes effect and can enhance teaching and learning

Personality Psychology is (define)

the study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting

Social Psychology is (define)

the scientific study of how we think about, influence and relate to one another

Industrial-Organizational Psychology is (define)

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in work places

Human Factors Psychology is (define)

explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use

Counseling Psychology is (define)

assists people with problems in living (school, work, marriage) and in achieving greater well-being

Clinical Psychology is (define)

studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders

Positive Psychology is (define)

study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals thrive

Community Psychology is (define)

studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups