Unit 1- History & Approaches

Question 0

Structuralism

Answer 0

An early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the structural elements of the human mind.

Question 1

Empiricism

Answer 1

The view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, therefore, rely on observation and experimentation.

Question 2

Functionalism

Answer 2

A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function- how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.

Question 3

Experimental Psychology

Answer 3

The study of behavior and thinking using the experimental method.

Question 4

Behaviorism

Answer 4

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).

Question 5

Humanistic psychology

Answer 5

Historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and the individual’s potential for personal growth.

Question 6

Cognitive Neuroscience

Answer 6

The interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language).

Question 7

Psychology

Answer 7

The science of behavior and mental processes.

Question 8

Nature-Nurture Issue

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Natural Selection

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Levels of Analysis

Answer 10

The differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.

Question 11

Biopsychosocial Approach

Answer 11

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

Question 12

Biological Psychology

Answer 12

A branch of psychology that studies the links between biological (including neuroscience and behavior genetics) and psychological processes.

Question 13

Evolutionary Psychology

Answer 13

The study of the roots of behavior and mental processes using the principles of natural selection.

Question 14

Psychodynamic Psychology

Answer 14

A branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and used that information to treat people with psychological disorders.

Question 15

Behavioral Psychology

Answer 15

The scientific study of observable behavior, and it’s explanation by principles of learning.

Question 16

Cognitive Psychology

Answer 16

The scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.

Question 17

Social-Cultural Psychology

Answer 17

The study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.

Question 18

Psychometrics

Answer 18

The scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

Question 19

Basic Research

Answer 19

Pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

Question 20

Developmental Psychology

Answer 20

The scientific study of physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.

Question 21

Educational Psychology

Answer 21

The study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning.

Question 22

Personality Psychology

Answer 22

The study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.

Question 23

Social Psychology

Answer 23

The scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.

Question 24

Applied Research

Answer 24

Scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

Question 25

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Answer 25

The application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces.

Question 26

Human Factors Psychology

Answer 26

The study of how people and machines interact and the design of safe and easily used machines and environments.

Question 27

Counseling Psychology

Answer 27

A branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being.

Question 28

Clinical Psychology

Answer 28

A branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.

Question 29

Psychiatry

Answer 29

A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who often provide medical treatments as well as psychological therapy.

Question 30

SQ3R

Answer 30

Studying method with 5 steps: survey, question, read, rehearse, review.