Module 2 - Psychology's Big Issues & Approaches

Question 1

applied research

Answer 1

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

Question 2

basic research

Answer 2

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base

Question 3

behavioral psychology

Answer 3

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

Question 4

biological psychology

Answer 4

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.)

Question 5

biopsychosocial approach

Answer 5

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

Question 6

clinical psychology

Answer 6

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

Question 7

cognitive psychology

Answer 7

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

Question 8

community psychology

Answer 8

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

Question 9

counseling psychology

Answer 9

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 10

developmental psychology

Answer 10

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

Question 11

educational psychology

Answer 11

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

Question 12

evolutionary psychology

Answer 12

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

Question 13

human factors psychology

Answer 13

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 14

industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology

Answer 14

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces

Question 15

levels of analysis

Answer 15

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

Question 16

natural selection

Answer 16

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 17

nature-nurture issue

Answer 17

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 18

personality psychology

Answer 18

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

Question 19

positive psychology

Answer 19

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

Question 20

psychiatry

Answer 20

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 21

psychodynamic psychology

Answer 21

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

Question 22

psychometrics

Answer 22

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

Question 23

social psychology

Answer 23

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

Question 24

social-cultural psychology

Answer 24

the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.

Question 25

SQ3R

Answer 25

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

Question 26

testing effect

Answer 26

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