Psychology
the scientific study of the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context
Behavior
the action or reaction of something under specified circumstances
Structuralism
our conscious is broken into objective sensations and subjunctive feelings, and that our mind works by combining both (Edward Titchener)
Functionalism
consciousness helps people to adapt to their environment, based on Darwinism (William-James)
Psychoanalysis
memories lie in the subconscious and needed to be drawn out using hypnosis (Freud)
Behaviorism
psychology should be limited to observable behavior, and it is unscientific to use behavior to understand the subconscious (John B(ehavioralist) Watson)
Reinforcement
concept introduced into behaviorism giving rewards to control and maintain good behavior (B.F. Skinner)
Gestalt psychology
consciousness can be best understood by observing it as a total experience rather than breaking it down, so the meaning of its parts more than the sum of its parts
Introspection
examining one's own thoughts and feelings, which means to look within
Wilhelm Wundt
established first psychology experimental lab in 1879 to study introspection in a disciplined and controlled environment, said that observations needed to be made by trained observers rather than through our own minds
Sir Francis Bacon
developed the scientific method, modern psychology relies on this, he believed the science should rely on observation and experimentation
Socrates
knowledge is born from within us, first to suggest we learn about our own behavior through introspection
Cognitive psychology
an approach to psychology that emphasizes internal mental processes (Carl Rogers/Abraham Maslow)
Basic research
pure knowledge aimed to increase psychology knowledge base
Biological perspective
behavior and mental processes are largely shaped by the nervous system: brain hormones and genes, so brain might be more active while listening to music than while studying science
Psychoanalytic perspective
our behaviors come by unconscious drives, usually stemming from childhood (heavily debated), think Freud
Sociocultural perspective
focuses on how culture influences the way we think and act, varies by culture (examples are gender, race, and age)
Biological psychologists
explore the link between the physical brain and the mind (basic research)
Developmental psychologists
explore how a person changes throughout their life, from "womb to tomb" (basic research)
Cognitive psychologists
experiment on how we perceive, think, and solve problems (basic research)
Personality psychologists
develop personality tests, investigate traits that explain behavior/decisions, study persistent traits (basic research)
Social psychologists
explore how people influence on another, like group behavior or interpersonal interactions
Industrial/Organizational psychologists
study and advise on behavior in the workplace, so like HR, job tests for applicants
Applied research
study that aims to solve practical problems
Counseling psychologists
help people with challenges like jobs and marriage problems
Clinical psychologists
treat mental emotional and behavioral disorders
Pshychiatrist
medical psychologists who can prescribe medication
Environmental psychologist
study the effects of the environment on behavior
Consumer psychologist
study behavior of shoppers to explain and predict behavior
School psychologist
help students with learning problems, also give achievement and intelligence tests
Forensic psychologist
work with the justice system to see if someone is stable enough to see if someone stands trial, deal with suicide/hostage threats, help hire police officers
Health psychologist
study the link between psychology and our physical health
Educational psychologist
studies and helps students AND teachers in school
Evolutionary perspective
goes off of Darwinism, so behavioral and mental processes are adaptive for survival (think WIlliam-James)
Cognitive perspective
ways in which people receive, process, retrieve, and store info, so how we see the world, how we react to different emotionally charged events (happy or sad events)
Humanistic perspective
individual potential for growth and stress individual choice and free will, so people's choices, and how people seek self-actualization (realizing your own needs, what best serves you)
Sociocultural perspective
focuses on how culture influences the way we think and act, varies by culture (examples are gender, race, and age)