AP Psychology Module 2

nature-nurture issue

the standing controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors.

natural selection

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.

biopsychological approach

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

behavioral approach

in personality theory, this perspective focuses on the effects of learning on our personality development.

biological psychology

the scientific study of the links between biological and psychological processes.

cognitive psychology

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

evolutionary psychology

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

humanistic psychology

a historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people.

psychodynamic

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

social- cultural

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

psychometrics

studying the measurement of our abilities, attitudes and traits.

basic research

builds psychology's knowledge base.

biological psychologists

exploring the link between the brain and mind.

cognitive psychologists

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

educational psychologist

studying influences on teaching and learning

personality psychologists

investigating our persistent traits.

social psychologists

exploring how we view and affect one another.

applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

industrial- organized (I/O)

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces.

human factors psychologists

its a subfield of industrial- organized,-focus on the interaction of people, machines, and physical environments.

counseling psychologists

a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living and in achieving greater well-being.

clinical psychologists

assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavior disorders

psychiatrists

a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical treatments as well as psychological therapy.

positive psychology

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

community psychologists

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.

developmental psychologists

studying our changing abilities from womb to tomb.

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.