Psychology study guide pt1

Perspectives

Different ways of viewing and explaining human behavior and mental processes.

Biopsychosocial

Integrates biological, psychological, and social-cultural factors.

Biological

Focuses on the brain, genes, and nervous system.

Cognitive

Emphasizes mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Evolutionary

Examines how behavior has been shaped by natural selection.

Behavioral

Studies observable behaviors and the role of learning and reinforcement.

Humanistic

Stresses individual growth, free will, and self-actualization.

Psychodynamic

Focuses on unconscious drives and early childhood experiences.

Social-cultural (sociocultural)

Explores how society and culture influence behavior.

Structuralism

The earliest school of thought, focused on breaking down mental processes into their most basic elements.

Functionalism

A later school that focused on the purpose and function of mental processes and behavior.

Critical Thinking

Involves analyzing information objectively, influenced by biases, personal beliefs, and the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of an argument.

Generalizability

The ability to apply the findings of a study to a larger population, influenced by sampling types and the representativeness of the sample.

Ethical Considerations

Researchers must follow a strict set of ethical guidelines to protect participants.

Informed consent

Participants must be fully aware of the study's nature before agreeing to participate.

Right to withdraw

Participants can leave the study at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality

All participant data must be kept private.

Debriefing

At the end of the study, participants must be informed of the study's true purpose and any deception that was used.

Coercion

Participants cannot be pressured or forced into the study.