AP Psych: 7 Types of Psychology

Biological Psychology

• Examines the connections between biological processes and psychological functions, such as emotions and memories.
• Investigates the influence of genetics and environment on individual differences in behavior.
• Explores the interplay between bodily systems (like the nervous system) and mental processes.

Learning (Behavioral) Psychology

• Focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they are learned through interaction with the environment.
• Utilizes empirical methods to study and explain behaviors based on learning experiences.
• Key figures include B.F. Skinner and John Watson, who emphasized behaviorism.

Cognitive Psychology

• Studies mental processes including how information is encoded, processed, stored, and retrieved.
• Encompasses various cognitive functions such as memory, perception, problem-solving, and language.
• Important for understanding how people think and communicate, influencing areas like education and psychology.

Social-Cultural Psychology

• Investigates how individual behavior and thought patterns change based on cultural contexts and social situations.
• Examines the influence of cultural norms, values, and expectations on behavior and cognition.
• Highlights the role of group dynamics and social interactions in shaping individual experiences.

Psychodynamic Psychology

• Focuses on unconscious motives and conflicts as the primary drivers of behavior.
• Originates from the work of Sigmund Freud, incorporating aspects like childhood experiences and repressed thoughts.
• Often used in therapeutic settings to understand and treat psychological disorders by addressing underlying issues.

Humanistic Psychology

• Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the importance of love and acceptance.
• Advocates for a holistic view of individuals, promoting the understanding of their conscious experience.
• Pioneered by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, who valued human potential and well-being.

Evolutionary Psychology

• Analyzes how evolutionary processes, particularly natural selection, influence human behavior and mental functions.
• Examines traits that have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success.
• Integrates ideas from biology and psychology to explore the adaptations of the human mind over time.