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Explores how behaviours have evolved and adapted over generations to help species survive and thrive.

Evolutionary theory suggests differences in spatial abilities may have arisen from historical roles in hunter-gatherer societies.

Societies where men typically hunted and women primarily gathered food.

The ability to mentally visualize and manipulate objects in space.

The extent to which a particular behaviour helps an organism survive and reproduce.

Any observable activity or response by an organism.

A theory explaining the observed behavior from adaptations over generations.

The mental representation and recall of locations and objects in space.

The scientific enterprise aims to:

1. Measure and describe behaviors precisely.
2. Understand and predict behaviors by explaining their causes.
3. Apply and control knowledge to solve real-world problems.

A scientific investigation follows these steps:

1. Formulate a testable hypothesis: Create a specific, testable prediction.
2. Design the study: Plan the research method and procedures.
3. Collect the data: Gather information using appropriate techniques.
4. Analyze the data: Use statistics to interpret the data and draw conclusions.
5. Report findings: Share results with the scientific community and the public.

A precise description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated in a study.

Individuals who participate in a research study and whose behavior is observed or measured.

Methods used to gather information in a research study, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments.

The scientific approach to studying behavior offers several advantages:

1. Objectivity: Reduces bias by using standardized methods and data analysis.
2. Control: Allows researchers to manipulate variables and isolate cause-and-effect relationships.

An internal state of tension that motivates you to engage in activities to reduce that tension.

An external goal that motivates behavior. It's something outside of you that attracts you.

The body's state of equilibrium or stability. It's about maintaining a balanced internal environment.

A hormone that regulates hunger and other bodily functions, contributing to long-term weight control.

The theory that your body has a specific weight range it tries to maintain, like a thermostat for weight.

A hormone secreted by the stomach that stimulates hunger and contractions.

The tendency for our neutral point of pleasantness-unpleasantness to shift over time. We adapt to both good and bad experiences.

A device used to measure physiological changes like heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductivity during questioning, often used to detect deception.

Freud's psychosexual stage between ages 6 and 12 where sexual urges are suppressed and social connections broaden beyond family.

Freud's final psychosexual stage (puberty onward) where sexual urges reemerge, focusing on genitals and seeking romantic interest in peers of the opposite sex.

Jung's concept of a shared, universal reservoir of unconscious memories, instincts, and archetypes inherited from ancestors.

Adler's belief that a fundamental human motivation is the desire to overcome feelings of inferiority and strive for personal growth and achievement.

Skinner's theory that behaviors are learned through association with reinforcing or punishing consequences.

Bandura's theory that individuals learn behaviors through observation, imitation, and social interactions, and actively influence their own outcomes.

Mischel's focus on how environmental contexts heavily influence behavior.

Mischel's challenge to traditional personality theory, arguing that consistent behavior across situations is less important than situational influences.

A strong, healthy bond between a child and caregiver characterized by trust, security, and comfort. This arises from a caregiver who is sensitive and responsive to the child's needs.

A less secure bond between a child and caregiver, often resulting from inconsistent or insensitive caregiving. The child may feel anxious, uncertain, or avoidant in their relationship.

Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development (birth to 1 year) where infants learn to trust their caregivers based on their consistent care and responsiveness. If their needs are met, they develop a trusting attitude towards the world. If not, they may develop mistrust and a pessimistic outlook.

Erikson's second stage (1-3 years) where children gain independence and self-control through activities like toilet training. Success fosters a sense of autonomy. Failure leads to shame and doubt about their abilities.

Erikson's third stage (3-6 years) where children explore their environment actively and develop imagination and a sense of purpose. Over-controlling parents can lead to guilt and stifled initiative, while supportive guidance fosters a sense of exploration and purpose.

Erikson's fourth stage (6-puberty) focusing on developing skills and competence in school and societal settings. Success leads to a sense of accomplishment and industry, while failure can result in feelings of inferiority and inadequacy.

A series of eight stages throughout the lifespan where individuals face psychosocial crises (conflicts) that shape their personalities and identities. Successful resolution of each crisis results in healthy development, while failure can lead to unhealthy outcomes.

Some critiques of Erikson's theory include its emphasis on individual development within the context of Western culture, potentially overlooking the impact of diverse cultural influences on personality formation. Additionally, its stages may not be universally applicable to all individuals, highlighting the need for more nuanced understanding of individual experiences.

A school of thought that emphasizes human potential, free will, and the subjective experience of the individual. It emerged as a reaction against the deterministic nature of behaviorism and psychodynamic theories.

Theories that reduce human behavior to simple mechanisms, ignoring the richness of human experience, free will, and conscious thought.

A central concept in humanistic psychology, it refers to the process of fulfilling one's potential and becoming the best version of oneself.

In Rogers's person-centered theory, it's the alignment between one's self-concept and one's actual experiences. A state of inner harmony.

In Rogers's theory, it's the mismatch between one's self-concept and one's actual experiences. This can lead to anxiety and internal conflict.

Love and acceptance from others that are dependent on meeting certain conditions or expectations. This can lead to self-concept distortion.

Love and acceptance from others that are given freely, without any conditions attached. This fosters a healthy self-concept.

In Rogers's theory, it's the collection of beliefs and perceptions one has about themselves. It shapes how one thinks, feels, and acts.