Essence of Psychology

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to the essence of psychology.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Goals of Psychology

The four goals are description, explanation, prediction, and control.

Structuralism

A school of psychology founded by Edward Titchener that focuses on the structure of the mind.

Functionalism

A school of psychology founded by William James that focuses on how mental processes help individuals function in the environment.

Gestalt Psychology

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the whole of perception rather than the sum of its parts.

Behaviorism

An approach in psychology that studies observable behavior and disregards mental processes.

Psychoanalysis

A clinical approach founded by Sigmund Freud that studies the unconscious mind and its influence on behavior.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for testing ideas through observations and experiments.

Correlation Research

A method that measures the relationship between two or more variables.

Experimental Research

A method that allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating independent variables.

Human Development

A lifelong process of physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and language changes due to nature and nurture.

Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development

Four stages: Sensorimotor, Preoperational, Concrete Operational, and Formal Operational, describing how children's thinking evolves.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development

A theory proposing eight stages, each characterized by a psychological crisis that must be resolved.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Three levels of moral reasoning: Preconventional, Conventional, and Postconventional, each with two stages.

Developmental Psychology

The study of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes throughout the lifespan.

Clinical Psychology

A branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders.

Counseling Psychology

A field that assists individuals with less severe psychological issues compared to clinical psychology.