AP Psychology Vocabulary- Module 1

empirical approach

empirical approach

an evidence-based method that draws on observation and experimentation

critical thinking

thinking that does not automatically accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, appraises the source, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions

structuralism

an early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind

functionalism

an early school of though promoted by James and influenced by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function- how they enable the organism- to adapt, survive, and flourish.

behaviorism

the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. most psychologists today agree with (1) but not (2)

humanistic psychology

a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential

cognitive psychology

the study of the mental processes involved in perceiving, learning, remembering, thinking, communicating, and solving problems

cognitive neuroscience

the inter-disciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (perception, thinking, memory, and language).

psychology

the science of behavior and mental processes

nature-nurture issue

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today’s science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.

natural selection

the principle that the inherited traits enabling an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

evolutionary psychology

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

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

culture

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

positive psychology

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

biopsychosocial approach

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

levels of analysis

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

basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

counseling psychology

a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or relationships) and in achieving greater well-being

clinical psychology

a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders

psychiatry

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

community psychology

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions(such as schools and neighborhoods) affect individuals and groups

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced leaning

SQ3R

a study method incorporating five steps: survey, question, read, retrieve, and review