AP Psychology Unit 1

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Empiricism

The view that knowledge comes from observation and experience, and that science relies on observation and experimentation.

William Wundt

Founded the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879; considered the father of psychology.

Structuralism

Early school of thought that used introspection to break down the mind into its basic elements.

Introspection

Looking inward and reporting on one's own conscious experience; proved unreliable as a scientific method.

Functionalism

Early school that focused on how mental and behavioral processes function to help organisms adapt and survive.

William James

Founder of functionalism; wrote Principles of Psychology and was influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution.

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist known for operant conditioning; showed behavior is shaped by its consequences (reinforcement and punishment).

John Watson

Founder of behaviorism; argued psychology should study only observable behavior; known for the Little Albert experiment.

Behaviorism

The view that psychology should be an objective science that studies observable behavior without reference to mental processes.

Sigmund Freud

Developed psychoanalysis; emphasized the unconscious mind and how childhood experiences shape personality.

Psychoanalytic Psychology

Approach emphasizing unconscious drives and conflicts, with treatment aimed at bringing repressed feelings into awareness.

Humanism

Approach emphasizing free will, personal growth potential, and the human need for love and acceptance.

Abraham Maslow

Humanistic psychologist known for the hierarchy of needs, topped by self-actualization.

Carl Rogers

Humanistic psychologist known for person-centered therapy and unconditional positive regard.

Evolutionary Psychology

Studies how natural selection and adaptation have shaped behavior and the mind over time.

Behavior Genetics

Studies the relative power and limits of genes and environment on behavior, often using twin and adoption studies.

Culture

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group and passed down across generations.

Biological Perspective

Focuses on how the brain, genes, hormones, and body chemistry influence behavior and mental processes.

Cognitive Perspective

Focuses on how we encode, process, store, and retrieve information, and how thinking shapes behavior.

Biopsychosocial Model

Integrated approach that combines biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences to explain behavior.

Counseling psychologist

Helps people cope with everyday challenges and adjustment issues such as school, career, and relationships.

Clinical psychologist

Assesses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders; holds a PhD or PsyD and usually cannot prescribe medication.

Psychiatrist

A medical doctor who treats psychological disorders and can prescribe medication.

Cognitive psychologist

Studies thinking, memory, language, perception, and problem solving.

Developmental psychologist

Studies physical, cognitive, and social change across the entire lifespan.

Educational psychologist

Studies how teaching methods and learning processes influence academic achievement.

School psychologist

Works within schools to assess and support students with learning, emotional, or behavioral difficulties.

Forensic psychologist

Applies psychology to the legal and criminal justice system, such as evaluating defendants or advising courts.

Environmental psychologist

Studies how physical surroundings and spaces affect people's behavior and well-being.

I/O psychologist

Industrial-organizational psychologist; applies psychology to the workplace to improve hiring, productivity, and morale.

Neuropsychologist

Studies the links between brain function and behavior, often assessing patients with brain injury or disease.

Sports psychologist

Applies psychology to athletic performance, focusing on motivation, focus, and training.

Human factors psychologist

Designs machines, systems, and environments to fit human abilities and improve safety and ease of use.

Therapist

A broad term for a trained professional who provides counseling or treatment for emotional and behavioral concerns.