Untitled Flashcards Set

The study of behavior and mental processes.

Psychology

Developmental Psychology

The study of human growth and change from prenatal to old age.

Physiological Psychology

Investigates the basis of behavior, thought, and emotions, focusing on the biological reasons behind behavior.

Experimental Psychology

Investigates basic psychological mental processes, focusing on how people think, learn, and remember through controlled experiments.

Personality Psychology

The study of personality traits and how they develop.

Clinical Psychology

A branch of psychology that assesses and treats mental illness and behavioral/psychological disorders.

Counseling Psychology

Helps people cope with life challenges and improve their well-being.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals are influenced by thoughts, feelings, and behavior by society and other people.

I/O Psychology

The study of workplace behavior to improve productivity and job satisfaction.

Person-Situation Debate

The debate over whether behavior is determined more by personality or situational factors.

Nature-Nurture Debate

The ongoing debate over the influence of genetics (nature) vs. environment (nurture) on behavior.

Stability-Change Debate

The debate over whether traits persist or change over time.

Diversity-Universality Debate

The extent to which psychological principles apply universally or are culture-specific.

The Scientific Method

A process for testing hypotheses and developing theories.

Scientific Theory

A well-tested explanation for a broad range of observations.

Theory

A general principle that explains a set of facts or phenomena.

Hypotheses

Testable predictions derived from a theory.

Critical Thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher whose ideas influenced social psychology and behaviorism; believed human behavior is driven by self-interest.

John Locke

Philosopher who proposed the idea of 'Tabula Rasa', suggesting humans are shaped by experience.

Charles Darwin

Introduced the theory of evolution, influencing evolutionary psychology.

Structuralism

The study of the structure of the mind, associated with Edward Titchener.

Functionalism

The study of how mental processes help individuals adapt, associated with William James.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Founded by Sigmund Freud; focuses on psychological factors that interact within the individual.

Behaviorism

Founded by John Watson and expanded by B.F. Skinner; emphasizes observable behavior.

Gestalt Psychology

Studies perception and how the mind organizes information as a whole.

Humanistic Psychology

Focuses on personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes like thinking, memory, and language.

Gender

The characteristics and behaviors that society associates with male and female roles.

Gender Stereotypes

Beliefs about 'typical' male or female behaviors and roles.

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and traditions of a group.

Individualistic Culture

Values independence and personal achievements.

Collectivist Culture

Values independence, fitting in, and harmonious relationships.

Cross-Cultural Research

Studies differences and similarities between cultures.

APA Ethical Guidelines (Human Subjects)

Guidelines including informed consent, no harm, confidentiality, and debriefing.

Informed Consent

Participants must be informed about the study and agree to take part willingly.

Protection from Harm

Researchers must protect participants from physical or emotional harm.

Confidentiality

Personal information must be kept private.

Right to Withdraw

Participants can leave the study at any time without consequences.

Debriefing

Researchers must explain the purpose and any deception used after the study.

APA Ethical Guidelines (Animal Subjects)

Guidelines for humane treatment, minimizing pain, and necessity of research.

Justification of Research

Studies using animals must have a clear scientific purpose and benefit.

Qualified Researchers

Only trained professionals should handle and care for the animals.

Minimization of Pain and Distress

Pain or discomfort must be minimized as much as possible.

Use of Alternatives

Methods that do not involve animals should be used if possible.

Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication; psychologists provide therapy and research behavior.