Chapter 1: Thinking Critically with Psychology Studies Flashcards
Psychology
The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Psyche
Mind
Logos
Knowledge
Behavior
Overt; can be directly observed
Mental processes
Covert; cannot be directly observed
Empirical evidence
Information gathered from direct observation
Behaviorism/Learning
How the consequences of our overt actions shape our future behavior(s)
Development
Course of human growth and development (“womb to tomb”)
Personality
Traits, motivations, and individual differences
Sensation and Perception
How we come to know the world through our five senses
Cognitive
How reasoning, problem solving, and other mental processes relate to human behavior
Social
How people think, act, and feel in the presence of others
Industrial/Organizational
Apply psychology in the workplace
Evolutionary
How our behavior is guided by patterns that evolved during human history
Forensic
The application of psychology to issues relating to law and the legal system
Cultural
How culture affects human behavior
Biopsychology
Study of the brain and neurotransmitters, and how they influence our thoughts and behavior
Positive psychology
Study of human strengths, virtues, and optimal behavior
Health
Relationship between psychological factors and physical health
Psychologists
Usually have masters or doctorate; trained in methods, knowledge, and theories of psychology
Clinical psychologist
Treat psychological problems or do research on therapies and mental illnesses
Counseling psychologists
Treat milder problems, such as poor adjustment at work or at school
Psychiatrists
MD; usually use medications to treat problems; generally do not have extensive training in providing “talk” therapy
The Scientific Method
Observing
Defining a problem
Proposing a hypothesis (an educated guess that can be tested)
Gathering evidence/testing the hypothesis
Publishing results
Building a theory
Theory
An explanation that integrates principles and organizes and predicts behavior or events
Hypothesis
A testable prediction, often promoted by a theory, to enable us to accept, reject, or revise the theory
Operation definition
States exact procedures used to represent a concept; allows abstract ideas to be tested in real-world terms (measuring)