AP Psych: 7 Types of Psychology

Questions and Answers

What is Biological Psychology?

Study of mental activities associated with thinking

How body and brain work to enable emotions, memories, etc. (correct)

How behavior varies across cultures

Study of observable behavior

What does Learning (Behavioral) Psychology study?

Observable responses and behavior learning

What is the focus of Cognitive Psychology?

How we encode, process, store, and retrieve information

What does Social-Cultural Psychology examine?

How behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind Psychodynamic Psychology?

Behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What does Humanistic Psychology emphasize?

Growth of healthy people and meeting needs for love and acceptance Signup and view all the answers

What does Evolutionary Psychology study?

The natural selection of traits and survival of genes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.

Description

Dive into the fundamental types of psychology with this quiz. Explore biological, behavioral, and cognitive psychology among others. Perfect for AP Psychology students looking to enhance their understanding of key concepts.