prologue vocab

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

empiricism

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

structualism

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

functionalism

the study of behavior and thinking using the experimental method.

experimental psychology

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

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

humanistic psychology

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

cognitive neuroscience

the science of behavior and mental processes.

psychology

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 a

nature nurture issue

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 a

natural selection

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

levels of analysis

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

biopsychosocial approach

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

biological psychology

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

biological paychology

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

evolutionary psychology

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

psychodynamic psychology

the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning.

behavioral psychology

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

cognitive psychology

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

social-cultural psychology

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

psychometrics

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

vasic research

the scientific study of 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 paychology

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

personality psychology

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

social psychology

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

applied research

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

industrial- organizational psychology

the study of how people and machines interact resulting in the design of machines and environments.

humam factors psycjology

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

counseling psychology

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

clinical psychology

a branch of medicine

psychiatry