Questions and Answers
What is psychology?
What does positive psychology focus on?
People's positive experiences and characteristics, such as happiness, optimism, and resilience.
Who are biological psychologists?
Psychologists who analyze the biological factors influencing behavior and mental processes.
What do developmental psychologists seek to understand?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the main focus of cognitive psychologists?
Signup and view all the answers
What do clinical and counseling psychologists aim to do?
Signup and view all the answers
What do educational psychologists study?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of school psychologists?
Signup and view all the answers
What do forensic psychologists do?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the psychodynamic approach?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the behavioral approach emphasize?
Signup and view all the answers
What is critical thinking?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a hypothesis in scientific research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a variable in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a theory?
Signup and view all the answers
What does naturalistic observation involve?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a case study?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a survey in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a control group?
Signup and view all the answers
What is an independent variable?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a dependent variable?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a placebo?
Signup and view all the answers
What is experimenter bias?
Signup and view all the answers
What is double-blind design?
Signup and view all the answers
What is sampling in research?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a correlation coefficient?
Signup and view all the answers
What does statistically significant refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Psychology Overview
- Psychology is defined as the science of behavior and mental processes.
- Fields include various specializations with different focuses on human experience and behavior.
Positive Psychology
- Focuses on positive human experiences and traits, including happiness, optimism, and resilience.
Psychological Specializations
- Biological Psychologists: Investigate biological influences on behavior and mental processes.
- Developmental Psychologists: Explore changes in behavior and mental processes throughout the lifespan.
- Cognitive Psychologists: Study mental processes involved in judgment, decision making, and problem solving. Also known as experimental psychologists.
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: Work to assess, understand, and modify abnormal behavior.
- Educational Psychologists: Research effective teaching methods and learning strategies to enhance educational outcomes.
- School Psychologists: Diagnose academic issues, test IQ, and develop programs to aid student achievement.
- Forensic Psychologists: Assist in legal cases, evaluate defendants' mental competency, and are involved in jury selection.
Psychological Approaches
- Psychodynamic Approach: Developed by Freud, emphasizes the role of unconscious processes in shaping thoughts and behaviors.
- Behavioral Approach: Highlights the influence of learned behaviors, especially through rewards and punishments.
Research Methodology
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating claims based on sound evidence rather than assumptions.
- Hypothesis: A testable prediction about a phenomenon in research.
- Variable: Any characteristic that can be measured or manipulated in a study.
- Theory: A cohesive set of propositions used for explanation, prediction, and control in research.
Research Techniques
- Naturalistic Observation: Observing subjects in their natural environment without interference.
- Case Study: In-depth examination of a specific individual or group.
- Survey: Collecting data through questionnaires or interviews to assess beliefs and attitudes.
Experimental Concepts
- Control Group: The baseline group in experiments that does not receive the treatment.
- Independent Variable: The manipulated factor in an experiment.
- Dependent Variable: The outcome affected by changes in the independent variable.
- Placebo: A non-active treatment that can produce results due to participant belief.
- Experimenter Bias: When the researcher's expectations inadvertently influence the participants' responses.
- Double-Blind Design: A method where neither the participants nor the experimenters know group assignments to reduce bias.
Sampling and Data Analysis
- Sampling: Selecting participants from a larger population for study.
- Correlation Coefficient: A statistic representing the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables.
- Statistically Significant: Indicates a correlation or difference in groups that exceeds chance expectations.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Prepare for the AP Psychology exam with these comprehensive flashcards that cover essential terms and concepts. Each card includes a key term along with its definition, helping you to reinforce your understanding of psychology. Perfect for quick reviews and study sessions!