Empiricism
the view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, therefore, rely on observation and experimentation
Structuralism
an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the elemental structure of the human mind
Functionalism
A school of psychology that focused on how our mental and behavioral processes function - how they enable us to adapt, survive, and flourish.
experimental psychology
the study of behavior and thinking using the experimental method
Behaviorism
the theory that human and animal behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without appeal to thoughts or feelings, and that psychological disorders are best treated by altering behavior patterns.
humanistic psychology
an approach to understanding human nature that emphasizes the positive potential of human beings
cognitive neuroscience
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language)
What role did Aristotle play in psychology?
Created the idea that knowledge isn't preexisting and that principles are drawn from careful observations
What role did Rene Descartes play in psychology?
Thought that Plato/Socrates we're right and the brain is desperate from the body and lives on after death, dissected animals and found brain fluids.
What role did Francis bacon play in psychology?
founder of modern science, he focused on experience, experimentsans common sense, fascinated with the brains want to succeed.
What role did John Locke play in psychology?
Wrote "An essay concerning human understanding" Claimed the mind at birth was a clean slate and founded empiricism
William Wundt Psych Laboratory
Him and 2 students measured the reaction time of people and found when the brain was aware of anticipation they got faster and faster. after they made the lab to do more experiments like this.
Role of women in psychology
Early: They were oppressed but we're the first to kickstart treating the mentally ill and got far. New: Dominate psychiatry and own most of the degrees handed out
Define Psychology
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
levels of analysis
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon (diff angles of a given event)
biopsychosocial approach
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis
behavioral psychology
the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning
Cognitive Psychology
the scientific study of all the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating
evolutionary psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
Psychodynamic psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders
Psychometrics
the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits
testing effect
enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information
basic research
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base
applied research
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems
IO psychology
the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces
human factors psychology
a branch of psychology that explores how people and machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made safe and easy to use
counseling 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
clinical psychology
a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders
positive psychology
the scientific study of optimal human functioning; aims to discover and promote strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive
community psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups
Psychometric Psychologists
design and evaluate tests of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, and personality. (study the methods we use to get knowledge on psychology)
Forensic psychology
area of psychology that applies the science and practice of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system
Neurospychology
the study of the behavior of people with brain damage