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the view that knowledge originates in experience and that science should, therefore, rely on observation and experimentation.
Empiricism
early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titcher; used introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.
Structuralism
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.
Functionalism
the study of behavior and thinking using the experimental method
Experimental Psychology
the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies behavior without reference to mental processes. Most research psychologists today agree with (1) but not (2).
Behaviorism
a historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth of potential of healthy people.
Humanistic Psychology
the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including perspective, thinking, memory, and language).
Cognitive Neuroscience
the science of behavior and mental processes.
Psychology
the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experiences make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors. Today’s science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature and nurture.
Nature-Nurture Issue
the principle that, among that range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
Natural Selection
the differing complementary views, from biological to psychological to social-cultural, for analyzing any given phenomenon.
Levels of Analysis
an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural level of analysis.
Biopsychosocial Approach
the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of learning.
Behavioral Psychology
the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal) and psychological processes.
Biological Psychology
the scientific study of all mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating.
Cognitive Psychology
the study of the evolution of behavior and mind, using the principles of natural selection.
Evolutionary Psychology
a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior, and uses that information to treat people with psychological disorders.
Psychodynamic Psychology
the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.
Social-Cultural Psychology
the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.
Psychometrics
pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.
Basic Research
a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the life span.
Developmental Psychology
the study of how psychological processes affect and enhance teaching and learning.
Educational Psychology
the study of an individual's characteristic pattern of thinking, feeling, and acting.
Personality Psychology
the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.
Social Psychology
scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.
Applied Research