Theory 1
Assigning traits and behaviors based on a person’s environment.
ecological theory
Prediction about something that can be tested.
hypothesis
Method of data collection used to only observe existing groups and record observations.
naturalistic experiments
Ideas that analyze the symbolic meaning behind behaviors.
psychoanalytic theories
Assigning traits and behaviors based on a person’s biology.
ethological theory
Behaviors associated with emotional response
classical conditioning
Theory consisting of eight stages in which people must successfully resolve a psychological and/or social conflict before moving to the next stage in life.
psychosocial development stages
Method of data collection used to compare groups of various ages at the same time.
cross-sectional studies
Ideas about how people process information, think, and learn.
cognitive theories
Behaviors that continue when reinforced.
operant conditioning
Method of data collection used to keep all the variables that affect behavior the same except for one.
manipulative experiments
Method of data collection used to observe the same individuals over a period of time.
longitudinal studies
Means of increasing knowledge by observing, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and formulating a theory.
scientific method
Ideas that analyze the symbolic meaning behind behaviors.
psychoanalytic theories
The study of genes.
genetics
Theory based on the assumption that people are affected by rewards and punishments, but that their reactions to rewards and punishments are filtered by their own perceptions, thoughts, and motivations.
social cognitive theory
Theory based on the belief that a person’s developmental stage should be based on what can be observed or seen in his or her behavior rather than making assumptions about what cannot be directly observed.
behaviorism
Comprehensive explanations about why people act and behave the way they do and how they change over time.
developmental theories
Things people do and say or the way they act.
observable behaviors
Personal choices that evaluate what is right and what is wrong.
moral decisions