Module 2 - Psychology's Big Issues & Approaches Flashcards
applied research
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
basic research
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base
behavioral psychology
he scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning
biological psychology
the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes. (Some biological psychologists call themselves behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists, physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists.)
biopsychosocial approach
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
clinical psychology
a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.
cognitive psychology
the scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.
community psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.
counseling psychology
a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being.
developmental psychology
a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.
educational psychology
the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning.
evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and mind, using principles of natural selection.
human factors psychology
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.
industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology
the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces
levels of analysis
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.
natural selection
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.
nature-nurture issue
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.
personality psychology
the study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.
positive psychology
the scientific study of human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.
psychiatry
a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy
psychodynamic psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders.
psychometrics
the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.
social psychology
the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.
social-cultural psychology
the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.
