Chapter 0: What is Psychology?

basic research

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

applied research

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

evolutionary psychology

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.

SQ3R

a study method incorporating five steps: Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve, Review.

biopsychosocial approach

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis.

levels of analysis

the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.

culture

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.

cognitive neuroscience

the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perception, thinking, memory, and language).

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.

structuralism

early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.

testing effect

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information. Also sometimes referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.

humanistic psychology

historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential.

nature-nurture issue

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today's science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.

natural selection

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

psychology

the science of behavior and mental processes.

positive psychology

the scientific study of human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

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).

psychiatry

a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by physicians who sometimes provide medical (for example, drug) treatments as well as psychological therapy.

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.

community psychology

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.

clinical psychology

a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders.