Introduction to Psychology – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering major people, schools, concepts, and branches introduced in Chapter 1: Introduction to Psychology.

Psychology

Scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Structuralism

Early perspective aimed at understanding the conscious experience through introspection.

Functionalism

Approach focusing on how mental activities help an organism adapt to its environment.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Perspective emphasizing the role of the unconscious and early childhood experiences on behavior.

Gestalt Psychology

View that the whole of perception is more than the sum of its parts.

Behaviorism

School of thought that studies observable behavior and how it is controlled.

Humanism

Perspective stressing the innate goodness and potential of humans.

Wilhelm Wundt

Founder of the first psychology laboratory; championed structuralism.

Introspection

Process of examining one’s own conscious experience to break it into components.

William James

First American psychologist; established functionalism.

Sigmund Freud

Founder of psychoanalytic theory; explored unconscious motives and dream analysis.

Ivan Pavlov

Physiologist who discovered classical conditioning through dog salivation studies.

Classical Conditioning

Learning in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an automatic response.

John B. Watson

Father of behaviorism who emphasized observable behavior over mental states.

B. F. Skinner

Behaviorist who studied how reinforcement and punishment shape behavior (operant conditioning).

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which behavior is influenced by its consequences.

Abraham Maslow

Humanist who proposed a hierarchy of needs motivating behavior.

Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s model where basic needs must be met before higher-level needs motivate behavior.

Carl Rogers

Humanistic psychologist who developed client-centered therapy.

Client-Centered Therapy

Therapeutic approach emphasizing unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.

Cognitive Revolution

Mid-20th-century shift bringing mental processes back into psychological study.

Noam Chomsky

Linguist who argued psychology must include mental functioning, sparking the cognitive revolution.

Margaret Floy Washburn

First woman to earn a psychology doctorate; researched animal behavior.

Biopsychology

Branch examining how brain structure and function produce behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

Field studying how evolution shapes behavior and mental processes.

Sensation

Raw sensory input such as sights, sounds, smells, and touches.

Perception

Interpretation of sensory information influenced by attention, experience, and culture.

Developmental Psychology

Study of physical and mental changes across the lifespan.

Jean Piaget

Psychologist famous for theories on cognitive development from infancy to adulthood.

Personality Psychology

Field focusing on unique thought patterns and behaviors of individuals.

Five Factor Model

Trait theory outlining five core dimensions of personality: OCEAN.

Social Psychology

Study of how people interact and influence one another.

Health Psychology

Branch exploring how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health.

Biopsychosocial Model

Framework positing health and illness result from biological, psychological, and social influences.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Application of psychological principles to workplace and organizational issues.

Sports and Exercise Psychology

Field examining psychological aspects of athletic performance and physical activity.

Forensic Psychology

Application of psychology to the legal and criminal justice system.

Clinical Psychology

Branch concerned with diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders.

Counseling Psychology

Field assisting people with everyday life issues and developmental concerns.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy integrating thoughts and behaviors to treat disorders.

PhD in Psychology

Doctoral degree typically required for advanced research, teaching, or clinical practice.

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony

Formal event where candidates receive their doctoral regalia and degrees.

Employment Sectors for Psychologists

Common workplaces include universities, hospitals, government, business, and private practice.

Top BA Psychology Jobs

Frequent roles include management, sales, social work, HR, and marketing.