empiricism
the view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should rely on observation and experimentation
structuralism
an early school of psychology that used introspection to explore the structural elements 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 view that psychology 1) should be an objective science that 2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. most agree with 2
humanistic psychology
historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people and individuals potential for personal growth
cognitive neuroscience
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition
psychology
the science of behavior and mental process
nature-nurture issue
the controversy over the relative contributions of biology
levels of analysis
the differing complementary views, from biological, psychological and social-cultural factors
biopsychosocial approach
considers the influences of biological, psychological and social-cultural factors
biological
studies the link between biological and psychological processes
evolutionary psychology
the study of the roots of behavior and mental processes using the 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
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
social-cultural psychology
the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking
psychometrics
the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits
basic research
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base
developmental psychology
the scientific study of physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan
educational psychology
the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and learning
personality psychology
the study of an individual's characteristics pattern thinking, feelings, and acting
social psychology
the scientific study of how we think about, influence and relate to one another
applied research
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems
industrial organizational (I/O) psychology
the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces
human factos psychology
the study of how people and machines interact and the design of safe and easily used machines and environments
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
psychiatry
a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who often provide medical treatments as well as psychological therapy