AP Psychology Midterm Flashcards
What is Psychology?
The scientific study of behavioral and mental processes
How is Psychology scientific?
It uses a systematic method of learning about behavior and cognitive processes (it can also be proven by the scientific method)
Explain “behavior”
Observable, quantifiable reactions to stimuli
Explain “mental processes”
Cognitive functions that allow for human introspection (memory, language, learning, dreaming, sensory-motor perception, etc.)
Psychology vs. “Pseudo-Psychology”
Psychology can be tested and proven, while pseudo-psychology is “abstract” or “unscientific psychology” aka “abilities” of the mind that cannot be tested/proven (psychics/mindreaders)
Clairvoyance
Ability to gain info. about someone or something through extrasensory perception aka perceiving things or events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact
Telepathy
The direct transfer of thoughts from one person to another aka the supposed communication of thoughts or ideas by means other than the known senses
Telekinesis
The supposed ability to move objects at a distance by mental power or other nonphysical means
Precognition
“seeing” or becoming directly aware of events in the future
Specialty areas within Psychology (there are 12)
1: Clinical
2: Counciling
3: Developmental
4: Cognitive
5: Educational/School
6: Industrial
7: Consumer
8: Research
9: Forensic
10: Sports
11: Psychiatry
12: Psychology
Psychology vs. Psychiatry
Psychologists have a PHD and cannot prescribe medication while Psychiatrists have a MD and can prescribe medication
7 Modern Psychological perspectives
1: Biological
2: Behavioral
3: Cognitive
4: Psychodynamic
5: Humanistic
6: Socio-Cultural
7: Evolutionary
Biological Psychological Perspective
Behavior is a refection of Biology. The brains anatomy, neurology, genetics, biochemistry, etc. *Behavior is a result of Physiological nature
Behavioral Psychological Perspective
Focuses on observable, empirical behaviors. Behavior is viewed as learned responses/reactions to stimuli. *Enviormental nature, founders= Pavlov, Watson, Thorndike & Skinner
Cognitive Psychological Perspective
Focuses on complex mental thought, memory, the ways information is stored and retrieved
Psychodynamic Psychological Perspective
Behavior is a result of abstract “inner forces”, founder= Sigmund Freud
Humanistic Psychological Perspective
Self fulfillment and achievement, people strive to better themselves “Self actualization”