Prologue Flashcards
Functionalism
A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function—how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.
Structuralism
An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the structural elements of the human mind.
Behaviorism
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).
Humanistic psychology
Historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and the individuals potential for personal growth.
Cognitive neuroscience
The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory and language).
Psychology
The science of behavior and mental processes.
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.
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.
Basic research
Pure science that aims to i cred the scientific knowledge base.
Applied research
Scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
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.
Clinical psychology
A branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.
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.
SQ3R
A study method incorporating five steps: survey, question, read, rehearse, review.
