Module 2 - Approaches

Question 1

Nature-Nurture Issue

Answer 1

The long-standing 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 2

Natural selection

Answer 2

The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

Question 3

Levels of Analysis

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Biopsychosocial Approach

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Behavioral Psychology

Answer 5

The scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning.

Question 6

Biological Psychology

Answer 6

The scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes. (Some biological psychologists call themselves neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists.)

Question 7

Cognitive Psychology

Answer 7

The scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

Question 8

Evolutionary Psychology

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Psychodynamic Psychology

Answer 9

A branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders.

Question 10

Social-Cultural Psychology

Answer 10

The study of how situations and cultures affect our behaviors and thinking.

Question 11

Psychometrics

Answer 11

The scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

Question 12

Basic Research

Answer 12

Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

Question 13

Developmental Psychology

Answer 13

A branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan.

Question 14

Educational Psychology

Answer 14

The study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning.

Question 15

Personality Psychology

Answer 15

The study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.

Question 16

Social Psychology

Answer 16

The scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.

Question 17

Applied Research

Answer 17

Scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

Question 18

Industrial-Organizational Psychology (I/O)

Answer 18

The application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in resources.

Question 19

Human Factors Psychology

Answer 19

An I/O psychology subfield that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use.

Question 20

Counseling Psychology

Answer 20

A branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) 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 sometimes provide medical (for example, drugs) treatments as well as psychological therapy.

Question 23

Positive Psychology

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Community Psychology

Answer 24

A branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.

Question 25

Testing Effect

Answer 25

Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also, something referred to as a retrieval practice effort.

Question 26

SQR3

Answer 26

A study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Questions, Read, Retrieve, Review.