Module 1: The Story of Psychology (Vocabulary)

Question 1

empirical approach

Answer 1

an evidence-based method that draws on observation and experimentation.

Question 2

critical thinking

Answer 2

thinking that does not automatically accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, appraises the source, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.

Question 3

structuralism

Answer 3

an early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.

Question 4

functionalism

Answer 4

an early school of thought promoted by James and influenced by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function– how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish.

Question 5

humanistic psychology

Answer 5

a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential.

Question 6

cognitive psychology

Answer 6

the study of mental processes, such as occur when we perceive, learn, remember, think, communicate, and solve problems.

Question 7

cognitive neuroscience

Answer 7

the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language).

Question 8

psychology

Answer 8

the science of behavior and mental processes.

Question 9

nature-nurture issue

Answer 9

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today’s science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.

Question 10

natural selection

Answer 10

the principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

Question 11

evolutionary psychology

Answer 11

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.

Question 12

behavior genetics

Answer 12

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Question 13

positive psychology

Answer 13

the scientific study of human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.

Question 14

biopsychosocial approach

Answer 14

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

Question 15

basic research

Answer 15

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

Question 16

applied research

Answer 16

a scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

Question 17

counseling psychologists

Answer 17

a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or relationships) and in achieving greater well-being.

Question 18

clinical psychology

Answer 18

a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.

Question 19

psychiatry

Answer 19

a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy.

Question 20

community psychology

Answer 20

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions (such as schools and neighborhoods) affect individuals and groups.