Module #1 Vocab

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

Behaviorism

Answer 5

the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2)

Question 6

Cognitive Psychology

Answer 6

the study of the mental processes involved in perceiving, learning, remembering, thinking, communicating, and solving problems

Question 7

Humanistic Psychology

Answer 7

a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential

Question 8

Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Psychology

Answer 9

the science of behavior and mental processes

Question 10

Nature-Nurture Issue

Answer 10

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors

Question 11

Natural Selection

Answer 11

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 12

Evolutionary Psychology

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Behavior Genetics

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Culture

Answer 14

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

Question 15

Positive Psychology

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Biopsychosocial Approach

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Levels of Analysis

Answer 17

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon

Question 18

Basic Research

Answer 18

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

Question 19

Applied Research

Answer 19

a scientific study that aims to solve practical problems

Question 20

Counseling Psychology

Answer 20

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 21

Clinical Psychology

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Psychiatry

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Community Psychology

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Testing Effect

Answer 24

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as a “retrieval practice effect” or “test-enhanced learning”

Question 25

SQ3R

Answer 25

a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review