Subfields of Psychology Flashcards
Behavioral Neuroscience (Biopsychology)
Focuses on the brain, the nervous system, genetics, and how they relate to behavior
Experimental Psychology
Focuses on learning and perceptions (includes Cognitive Psychology)
Cognitive Psychology
A branch of Experimental Psychology. Focuses on how we think, how we reason, how we remember, and how we speak.
Developmental Psychology
Focuses on development through stages - physical, social, and emotional. Includes Personality Psychology.
Personality Psychology
A branch of Developmental Psychology. Focuses on the characteristics of the personality and how they differ between individuals.
Clinical Psychology
Focuses on the study and treatment of psychological disorders. Includes Health and Counseling Psychology.
Health Psychology
A branch of Clinical Psychology. Focuses on illnesses and health, and the prevention and treatment of illnesses (everything to do with “mental health”).
Counseling Psychology
A branch of Clinical Psychology. Focuses on adjustment problems and includes educational, social, and career issues.
Social Psychology
Focuses on human social behavior - which includes relationships, attitudes, and aggression - and how these actions affect others. Discusses prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes. Includes Cross-Cultural Psychology.
What is prejudice?
An unfair treatment of people (usually negative) based on emotions - a preconceived notion.
What is discrimination?
Actions based on prejudice.
What are stereotypes?
Wide-spread generalizations based on little or no facts.
Cross-Cultural Psychology***
A branch of Social Psychology. Focuses on how different cultures and diversity influence human behavior.
Evolutionary Psychology
Focuses on the principles of evolution (“survival of the fittest”).
Behavioral Genetics
Focuses on genetics and acquired traits, and how they influence behaviors.
