Pyschology Flash Cards
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 psy- chology that used introspection to explore the structural elements of the human mind.
behaviorism
the view that psy- chology (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
histori- cally significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and the individual’s potential for personal growth.
cognitive neuroscience
the inter- disciplinary study of the brain activi- ty linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language).
psychology
the science of behavior and mental processes
nature-nurture issue
the longstand- ing controversy over the relative contri- butions 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 varia- tions, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
levels of analysis
the differing com- plementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for ana- lyzing any given phenomenon.
biopsychosocial approach
an inte- grated approach that incorporates bio- logical, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
basic research
pure science that aims to increase 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 achiev- ing greater well-being.
clinical psychology
a branch of psy- chology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.
psychiatry
a branch of medicine deal- ing with psychological disorders; prac- ticed by physicians who sometimes pro- vide medical (for example, drug) treat- ments as well as psychological therapy.
