Branches of psychology Flashcards
(17 cards)
Abnormal psychology studies what
Studies the causes and treatments of abnormal behaviour.
It studies the causes effects and possible treatments of abnormal behavior.
What 3 things determine when a behaviour is considered Abnormal behaviour?
- The person experiencing the behaviour is distressed by it.
- The behaviour affects the individuals life or functioning in a negative way.
- The behaviour is culturally unacceptable.
What is a phobia
It is an intense fear.
What is behavioural psychology?
- notion that behaviours are learned.
- Heavy on research.
- Behaviourists are also often called learning theorists.
- Conclusions about behaviour can only be made if they’ve been observed directly.
What is clinical psychology?
It’s the treatment of people with abnormal behavior. It relies on techniques from other branches to help patients.
Hypnosis
- An alternate state of awareness induced by trained hypnotist.
- induced state if unawareness
- person is very open to suggestions
- most people can’t be hypnotized
Hypnotherapy
It is the treatment of emotional and mental problems with hypnosis. It’s used to treat abnormal behaviors.
Examples of when it’s been used: reduce chronic pain, control smoking or compulsive eating.
Cognitive psychology
It focusses on human information processing, the manner in which the brain does things. Specifically, memorization, problem solving and recognition of languages.
- relies heavily on philosophical and scientific thought.
- relies heavily on computer models to prove their theories.
Difficult to prove things because performing certain types of research on humans is illegal and unethical. 
Developmental/child Psychology
Studies the way a child’s behaviour changes as the child develops or grows into adulthood.
Focuses on physical growth, mental growth, moral growth and all other aspects of human nature.
Parapsychology
Studies mysterious phenomenon such as psychic powers, telepathy, ghosts, out of body experiences, and reincarnation.
- It’s not fully accepted as a branch of psychology.
- it’s very difficult to prove or document.
Physiological psychology
It is concerned with how the body affects behavior. This includes how brain structures, hormones, cells, nervous system, drugs and injuries affect how we think Acton move.
Hormones
Chemical substances released by glands that can affect body development and behavior.
Social psychology
How humans behave in social situations.
– Focusses on how an individuals behaviour is influenced by others
– stereotypes and aggression or researched.
What does behavioural psychology believe about behaviour?
That it is learned.
What does behavioural psychology rely on heavily.
Research
Behaviours are also often called what kind of theorist?
Learning theorist.
In behavioural psychology, conclusions about behaviour can only be made if they’ve been ______.
Observed directly.
