Psychology Flashcards
The science of behavior and mental processes
Psychology
The study of the relationships between features of physical stimuli, such as their intensity, and the sensations we experience in response to them
Psychophysics
Inward focusing on mental experiences, such as sensations or feelings
Introspection
The school of psychology that attempts to understand the structure of the mind by breaking it down into its component parts
Structuralism
The school of psychology that focuses on the adaptive functions of behavior
Functionalism
The school of psychology that holds that psychology should limit it self to the study of overt, observable behavior
Behaviorism
The school of psychology that holds that the brain structures or perceptions of the world in terms of meaningful patterns or wholes
Gestalt psychology
A German word meaning unitary form or pattern
Gestalt
In Freudian theory, the part of the mind that lies beyond conscious awareness and that contains primitive drives and instinct
Unconscious
The view that behavior is influenced by the struggle between unconscious sexual or aggressive impulses and opposing forces that try to keep this threatening material out of consciousness
Psychodynamic perspective
Frauds method of psychotherapy, which focuses on uncovering and working through unconscious conflicts believed to be at root or psychological problems
Psychoanalysis
In approach to the study of psychology that focuses on the role of learning in explaining observable behavior
Behavioral perspective
A contemporary learning based model that emphasizes the roles of cognitive and environmental factors in determining behavior
Behavior therapy
The school of psychology that believes that free will and conscious choice are essential aspects of the human experience
Humanistic psychology
In approach to study psychology that focuses on the relationships between biological processes and behavior
Physiological perspective
A branch of psychology that focuses on the role of evolutionary processes in shaping behavior
Cognitive perspective
An approach to the study of psychology that emphasizes the role of social and cultural influences on behavior,
Sociocultural perspective
Contemporary movement within psychology that emphasizes the study of human virtues and assets, rather than weaknesses and deficits
Positive psychology
Research focused on acquiring knowledge, even if such knowledge has no direct practical application
Basic research
Research that attempts to find solutions to specific problems
Applied research
Psychologists who apply experimental methods to the study of behavior and mental processes
Experimental psychologist
Psychologist who studies behavior, similarities, and differences among animal species
Comparative psychologists
Psychologists who focus on the biological underpinnings of behavior
Physiological psychologist
Psychologists who use psychological techniques to evaluate and treat individuals with mental or psychological disorders
Clinical psychologist