Chapter 1: Big Ideas Flashcards
Psychology definition
the scientific study
of behavior (what we do) and
mental processes (inner thoughts
and feelings).
Structuralism
Study of how our minds make meaning through small step by step cognitive processes (Wundt)
Functionalism
Study of how our minds adapt to external stimuli in order to help us survive and thrive in our environment (James)
Psychodynamics definition
The study of the mental and emotional processes that influence behavior (Freud)
Behaviorism
focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment (Watson/Skinner)
Humanism
Study that emphasizes current environmental influences on our growth potential and our need for love and acceptance
4 goals of psychology
describe, predict, explain, control
Neuroscience
How the body and brain enable
emotions, memories, and
sensory experiences
Evolutionary
How the natural selection of traits passed down from one
generation to the next has
promoted the survival of genes
Behavior
genetics
How our genes and our
environment influence our
individual differences
Psychodynamic
How behavior springs from
unconscious drives and conflict
Behavioral
How we learn observable
responses
Cognitive
How we encode, process, store,
and retrieve information
Social-cultural
How behavior and thinking vary
across situations and culture
Biopsychosocial
Systematically considers biological, psychological, and social factors and their complex interactions in understanding health, illness, and health care delivery
