Chapter 1 Flashcards
Evolutionary
Adaptive organisms survive and transmit their genes to future generations
Biological
Biological processes influence behavior and mental processes
Cognitive
Perceptions and thoughts influence behavior
Humanistic
People make free and conscious choices based on their unique experiences
Psychoanalytic
Unconscious motives influence behavior
Learning
Personal experiences and reinforcement guide individual development
Sociocultural
Sociocultural, biological and psychological factors create individual differences
Biopsychosocial
Metal processes are influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors
Psychology
The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes
What are the goals of psychology
Explain behavior, predicting and controlling, psychological research, and psychological theories
Explain behavior
1st: observe and describe behavior
2nd: explain behavior in terms of feelings of anxiety and performance
Predict and control
A. Do best when anxiety is moderate
B. Positive visualization=imagine a difficult situation and a positive outcome
Psychological research
A. Surveys=method of collecting data that involves asking questions
B. Experimentation= controlled environment with humans/animals
Psychological theories
Theory=statement that attempts to explain why things are the way they are and why they happen the way they do
B. Principle=basic truth or law that governs behavior and metal processes
What are the major fields of psychology
Clinical, counseling, school, educational, developmental, personality, social, and experimental psychology
Clinical psychology
- Largest group of psychologists
- Specialties:child and adult mental health, learning disabilities, geriatrics and general health
- Evaluate problems through interviews and psychological tests
- Try to change ineffective and harmful behavior
- Different from psychiatrists=medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of problems and can prescribe medications to patients
Counseling psychology
- Use interviews and tests to identify problems
- Treat people with adjustment disorders( not more serious )
- Help clients clarify goals, overcome adjustment problems and meet challenges