AP Psychology Unit 1.1

Key Terms and Contributors

critical thinking

The process of systematically evaluating information and arguments, identifying biases and assumptions, and determining the validity of conclusions.

empiricism

The theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience and observation through experimentation.

structuralism

An early school of psychology that aimed to understand the structure of the mind by breaking down mental processes into their simplest components.

introspection

The examination of one's conscious thoughts and feelings, often used in structuralist psychology to explore the mind's structure. It involves reflecting on inner experiences and reporting them.

functionalism

An early school of psychology that focused on how mental processes help individuals adapt to their environments. It emphasized the purpose of behavior and conscious experience.

behaviorism

A school of psychology that studies observable behavior and the role of the environment in shaping actions, often dismissing internal mental states as irrelevant.

Humanistic psychology

A psychological perspective that emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of individuals. It focuses on individual potential and stresses the importance of self-awareness and freedom of choice.

Cognitive psychology

A branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as perception, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. It explores how people understand, think, and remember information.

Cognitive neuroscience

A field that combines neuroscience and cognitive psychology to study how brain activity is linked to mental processes and behavior. It investigates the biological underpinnings of cognition.

psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior, encompassing various subfields and approaches to understand mental processes, emotions, and interactions.

Nature-nurture issue

The debate regarding the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping human behavior and development.

Natural selection

The process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population due to the survival and reproductive advantages they confer, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

Evolutionary psychology

A theoretical perspective that examines the psychological traits and behaviors of humans as products of evolution, focusing on how these traits may have contributed to survival and reproduction.

Behavior genetics

A field of study that explores the role of genetic and environmental influences on behavior, assessing how heredity and environment interact to shape individual traits.

Culture

The shared beliefs, values, norms, and practices that characterize a group or society, shaping individuals' behaviors and psychology.

Positive psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and factors that contribute to human flourishing and well-being.

Biopsychosocial approach

A comprehensive model that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to understand health and behavior.

Behavioral psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on the study of observable behaviors and the ways in which they are learned and reinforced.

Biological psychology

Psychodynamic psychology

A perspective that emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and childhood experiences on behavior and mental states.

Social-cultural psychology

A perspective that examines how behavior and thinking vary across cultures and social contexts, emphasizing the impact of societal norms and values.

Testing effect

The testing effect is a psychological phenomenon where retrieving information through testing enhances long-term retention more effectively than restudying the material. It highlights the benefits of active recall in learning.

SQ3R

A study method that involves five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, and Review, designed to enhance comprehension and retention of information.

Psychometrics

The field of psychology that focuses on the measurement of psychological attributes, such as intelligence, personality traits, and attitudes, using assessments and tests.

Basic research

Research conducted to increase fundamental knowledge and understanding of psychological phenomena without immediate practical application.