Unit 1 Vocab Flashcards
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).
Behaviorism
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition
cognitive neuroscience
the view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, therefore, rely on observation and experimentation
Empiricism
the study of behavior and thinking using the experimental method
experimental psychology
early school of thought promoted by James and influenced by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function- how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish
Functionalism
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Pyschology
early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind
Sturcturalism
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems
applied research
the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning
behavioral pyschology
the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes
biological psychology
integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
biopsychosocial approach
a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders
clinical psychology
the scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating
Cognitive Psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups
community 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
counseling psychology
a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span
developmental psychology
the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning
educational psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
evolutionary psychology
an I/O psychology subfield that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use
human factors psychology
the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces
industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon
levels of analysis
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
natural selection
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
nature-nurture issue
the study of an individual’s characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting
personality psychology
