Contemporary Psychology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the Nature-Nurture Issue?

The study of observable behavior.

The controversy over genes vs. experience in psychological development. (correct)

The principle that inherited traits contribute to survival.

The genetic basis of intelligence.

What is Natural Selection?

The principle that inherited traits contributing to reproduction and survival will be passed on.

What does levels of analysis refer to?

Differing complementary views for analyzing phenomena.

What is the Biopsychosocial Approach?

An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What does Biological Psychology study?

The links between biological processes and psychological processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Evolutionary Psychology?

The study of behavior and mental processes using principles of natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What does Psychodynamic Psychology focus on?

How unconscious drives and conflicts influence behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is Behavioral Psychology?

The scientific study of observable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cognitive Psychology study?

All mental activities associated with thinking, knowing, remembering, and communicating. Signup and view all the answers

What is Social-Cultural Psychology?

The study of how culture and situations affect behavior and thinking. Signup and view all the answers

What does Psychometrics focus on?

The measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is Basic Research?

Pure science aimed at increasing the scientific knowledge base. Signup and view all the answers

What does Developmental Psychology study?

Physical, cognitive, and social change throughout the lifespan. Signup and view all the answers

What is Educational Psychology?

The study of how psychological processes affect teaching and learning. Signup and view all the answers

What does a Personality Psychologist study?

An individual's characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting. Signup and view all the answers

What is Social Psychology?

The scientific study of how we think about and relate to one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is Applied Research?

Scientific study aimed at solving practical problems. Signup and view all the answers

What is Industrial-Organizational Psychology?

The application of psychological concepts to optimize human behavior in workplaces. Signup and view all the answers

What does Human Factors Psychology study?

How people and machines interact and the design of user-friendly environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is Counseling Psychology?

A branch of psychology that assists with problems in living and enhances well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What does Clinical Psychology focus on?

The assessment and treatment of people with psychological disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is Psychiatry?

A branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders, providing both medical and psychotherapy treatments. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature-Nurture Issue

A longstanding debate concerning the impact of genetics versus environmental factors on psychological traits and behaviors.
Modern understanding emphasizes the interaction between nature (genes) and nurture (experience).

Natural Selection

Principles underscoring that inherited traits beneficial for reproduction and survival tend to be passed down through generations.

Levels of Analysis

A multi-faceted approach that includes biological, psychological, and social-cultural perspectives for examining phenomena.

Biopsychosocial Approach

An integrative framework considering biological, psychological, and social-cultural dimensions in psychological analysis.

Biological Psychology

Focuses on the connections between biological processes (neuroscience, behavior genetics) and psychological phenomena.

Evolutionary Psychology

Investigates behaviors and mental processes through the lens of evolutionary principles, particularly natural selection.

Psychodynamic Psychology

Examines the influence of unconscious drives and conflicts on behavior and utilizes these insights for treating psychological disorders.

Behavioral Psychology

Studies observable behaviors and explains them through learning principles and conditioning.

Cognitive Psychology

Explores all mental processes associated with thinking, knowing, memory, and communication.

Analyzes how cultural and situational contexts shape behavior and thought processes.

Psychometrics

The discipline focused on measuring human abilities, attitudes, and traits through scientific methods.

Basic Research

Aimed at expanding the foundational scientific knowledge base without immediate practical applications.

Developmental Psychology

Investigates physical, cognitive, and social development and changes across a person's lifespan.

Educational Psychology

Studies psychological processes to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Personality Psychologist

Focuses on understanding individual patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior characteristic of each person.

Examines how we think about, influence, and interact with one another in various contexts.

Applied Research

Aims to address and solve practical, real-world issues through scientific inquiry.

Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychology

Applies psychological principles to improve workplace behavior and optimize productivity.

Human Factors Psychology

Studies interactions between people and machines, emphasizing safe and user-friendly design.

Counseling Psychology

Provides support for individuals facing life challenges (related to school, work, marriage) to enhance overall well-being.

Clinical Psychology

Involves the study, assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders through various therapeutic approaches.

Psychiatry

A medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, often encompassing medication and psychotherapy.

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Description

Explore key concepts in contemporary psychology with this flashcard quiz. Learn about important terms such as the nature-nurture issue and natural selection, and how they shape our understanding of psychological traits and behaviors. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!