Personal Psychology 20

Psychology

The scientific and philosophical study of behavior and mental processes, exploring how individuals think, feel, and act.

Clinical Psychologists

Professionals who treat various behavioral problems such as addictions, learning disabilities, and depression.

Psychiatrists

Medical doctors who perform the same duties as clinical psychologists but are licensed to prescribe medication.

Counselors

Professionals who provide preventative treatments and short-term counseling for social situations.

Abnormal Psychology

The study of causes and treatments for behaviors that are distressing and negatively affecting an individual.

Behavioral Psychology

Focuses on the notion that behaviors are learned and relies on direct observation for conclusions.

Cognitive Psychology

Examines human information processing and how the brain handles memory, problem-solving, and higher order processes.

Developmental Psychology

The study of behavioral changes in individuals from infancy through adulthood.

Empirical Evidence

Data and information acquired through observations during an experiment to prove or disprove claims.

Independent Variable

The variable that changes in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that stays consistent throughout the experiment.

Overt Behaviors

Behaviors that can be observed physically, such as speaking or walking.

Covert Behavior

Behaviors that cannot be observed physically, such as thinking or daydreaming.

Prenatal Stage

The developmental stage from conception to birth.

Psychoanalysis

Freud's theory focusing on the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior.

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s theory that identifies various types of intelligence, including linguistic and logical-mathematical.

Sociobiology

The application of evolutionary theory to understanding social behavior in humans.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses in the nervous system, influencing behavior and mood.

Sleep Stages

Different phases of sleep, including REM and non-REM stages, each with distinct brain activities.

Placebo Effect

A phenomenon where a person's belief in a treatment leads to perceived improvements in their condition.