Prologue Flashcards
An evidence-based method that draws on observation and experimentation.
Empirical Approach
Thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather it examines assumptions, appraises the course, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence and assesses conclusions
Critical Thinking
Early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind
structuralism
Early school of thought promoted by James and influences by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish
Functionalism
The view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).
behaviorism
Historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth and potential.
Humanistic Psychology
The study of mental processes, such as occur when we perceive, learn, remember, think, communicate, and solve problems.
Cognitive Psychology
The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language).
Cognitive Neuroscience
The science of behavior and mental processes.
Correct!
Psychology
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.
Nature-Nurture Issue
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.
Natural Selection
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
Evolutionary Psychology
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
Behavior Genetics
The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.
Culture
The scientific study of human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.
Positive Psychology
The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.
Levels of Analysis
An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
biopsychosocial approach
Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.
Basic Research
Scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
Applied Research
A branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being.
Counseling Psychology
A branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.
Clinical Psychology
A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who are licensed to provide medical (for example, drug) treatment as well as psychological therapy.
Psychiatry
A branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.
Community Psychology
Enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.
testing effect
