Defination of Psychology
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Science
use of systematic methods to observe the natural world, including human behavior and to draw conclusions.
describe
predict
explain
Behavior
everything we do that can be directly observed
Mental Processes
the thoughts feelings and motives that each of us experiences privately but can not be observed directly.
Critical Thinking
the process of reflecting deeply and actively, asking questions and evaluating the evidence.
4 attitudes at the core of scientific approach
critical thinking
skepticism
objectivity
curiosity
Empirical Method
gaining knowledge through the observation of events, the collection of data, and logical reasoning.
Clinical Psychologist
specialize in studying and treating psychological disorders. doctoral degree in psychology
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
believed that most human behavior is caused by dark, unpleasant, unconscious impulses.
Positive Psychology
a branch of psychology that emphasizes human strengths
Sigmund Freud
Founding father of the psychodynamic approach
believed that most human behavior is caused by dark, unpleasant, unconscious impulses.
William Wundt (1832-1920)
Founded the first psychology laboratory in 1879 at the university of leipzig
Structuralism
William Wundt's approach to discovering the basic elements, or structures of mental processes; so called because of its focus on identifying the structures of the human mind
Functionalism
William James approach to mental processes, emphasizing the functions and purposes of the mind and behavior in the individuals adaption to the environment.
Natural Selection
Darwins principle of an evolutionary process in which organisms that are best adapted to the environment will survive and produce offspring.
Biological Approach
An approach to psychology focus on the body, especially the brain and the nervous system
Neuroscience
The scientific study of the structure, function, development, genetics and biochemistry of the nervous system, emphasizing the the brain and nervous system are central to understanding behavior, thought and emotion.
Behavioral Approach
An approach to psychology emphasizing the scientific study of observable behavioral responses and the environmental determinants.
Psychodynamic Approach
An approach to psychology emphasizing unconscious thought and conflict between biological drives (ie. sex) and societies demands and early childhood family experiences.
Humanistic Approach
An approach to psychology emphasizing a persons positive qualities, the capacity for positive growth, and the freedom to choose any destiny.
Cognitive Approach
An approach to psychology emphasizing the mental processes involved in knowing: How we direct our attention, perceive, remember, think and solve problems
Evolutionary approach
an approach to psychology centered on evolutionary ideas such as adaption, reproduction, and natural selection as the basis for explaining specific human behaviors.
Sociocultural Approach
An approach to psychology that examines the ways in which social and cultural environments influence behavior.
Examples of biological approach
sweaty hands = lie
heart race = fear
B.F. Skinner
John B Watson
Behaviorists - believed in the behavioral approach
B.F. Skinner
emphasized that psychology should be about what people do, there actions, and behaviors. not thoughts feelings and goals. our environments form our behaviors. - behavioral approach
psychoanalysis
involves and analysts unlocking a persons unconscious conflicts by talking about individuals childhood memories, dreams, thoughts and feelings. - psychodynamic approach
humanistic psychologists
Believe people have control of their lives and are not controlled by environment.
altruism
unselfish concern for other peoples well being. - humanistic approach
information processing
the ways that the human mind interprets incoming informations, weighs it, stores it and applies it to decision making- cognitive approach
psycho dynamic = Unconscious thoughts
cognitive = Conscious Thoughts
difference between cognitive and psycho-dynamic approaches.
Practitioners of psychology
individuals who are primarily engaged in helping others are often called...
evidence based practive
using therapeutic tools whose effectiveness is supported by empirical research
psychiatrists
A physician with a medical degree who subsequently specializes in abnormal behavior and psychotherapy
physiological psychology
interested in the psychical processes that underlie mental operations such as vision and memory.
behavioral neuroscience
focuses on biological processes, especially the brains role in behavior.
sensation and perception
focuses on the physical systems and psychological processes that allow us to experience the world
ie. listen to a favorite song, see the beauty of a sunset
Learning
intricate process in which behavior changes in response to changing circumstance.
Cognitive Psychology
examines attention, consciousness, information processing, and memory.
Developmental Psychology
concerned with how people become who they are from conception to death.
Psychology of women and gender
consider the psychological, social, and cultural influences on development and behavior.
personality psychology
interested in those aspects psychological make-up.
ie. traits, motives, goals, & genetics.
social psychology
deals with peoples interactions with one another, relationships, attitude and social perceptions
Industrial and organizational psychology
concerns are personnel matters and human resources managment
clinical and counseling psychology
diagnose and treat people with psychological problems
health psychology
study the roles of stress and coping in peoples lives
community psychology
concentrates on improving the quality of relationships among individuals, their community and society at large
school and educational psychology
concerns children's learning and adjustment in school
environmental psychology
study of the interactions between people and the physical environment
forensic psychology
applies psychological concepts to the legal system
sport psychology
improving sport performance
cross-cultural psychology
cultures role in understanding behavior, thought and emotion