Psychology Modules 1-3 (Story of Psychology & Think Critically with Psyhology)

Empirical Approach

A method that uses observations and experiments to gather information

Critical thinking

Includes carefully analyzing questions, evaluating assumptions, and relying on evidence before drawing conclusions

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind

Functionalism

Focuses on how mental and behavioral processes function as a whole and enable an organism to adapt

Behaviorism

Focuses on observable behavior learned through environment, There’s no focus on mental processes

Psychoanalytic Psychology

Emphasizes the way our unconscious mind and childhood experiences affect our behavior

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes personal growth, free will, and reaching full potential

Cognitive Psychology

Study of mental processes such as thinking, perception, memory, communication, decision making and problem solving

Cognitive Neuroscience

Study of how brain activity links to cognitive mental processes

Psychology

the science of mental and behavioral processes

Nature - nurture issue

Debate over whether behavior and traits are shaped more by genetics or environment

Natural selection

Traits and behaviors that aid survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed down

Evolutionary Psychology

a branch of psychology that explains human thought, emotion, and behavior as adaptations shaped by natural selection

Behavior genetics

Study of how genes and environment influence behavior

Culture

Share ideas, values, traditions, and behaviors passed through generations

Positive Psychology

Study of human strengths, flourishing, well-being, and promoting virtues that makes life fulfilling

Biopsychosocial approach

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and sociocultural levels of analysis

Levels of analysis

Different ways to study/analyze behavior: biological, psychological, and social

Basic research

Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base (learning)

Applied research

A scientific study that aims to solve practical problems