Module 1 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Critical thinking
thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, appraises the source, discerns hidden biases, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
structuralism
early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.
functionalism
early school of thought promoted by James and influenced by Darwin; explored how mental and behavioral processes function- how they enable the organism to adapt, survive, and flourish.
psychiatry
a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical treatments as well as psychological therapy.
community psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.
basic research
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base
applied science
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
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 human functioning, with the goals of discovering and promoting strength and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.
levels of analysis
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-culture, for analyzing any given phenomenon.
biophychosocial
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.
Biological influences
- genetic predispositions (genetically influences traits)
- genetic mutations
- natural selection of adaptive traits and behaviors passed down through genetics
- genes responding to the environment
psychological influences
- learned fears and other learned expectations
- emotional responses
- cognitive processing and perceptual interpretations
social-cultural influences
- presence of others
- cultural,societal, and family expectations
- peer and other group influences
- compelling models (such as in the media)
behaviorism
the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most psychologists today agree with (1) but not with (2).
humanistic psychology
historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential.
psychology
the science of behavior
