Introduction to Psychology Chapters

Study Notes

Developmental Psychology

Studies human development across the lifespan, from infancy to old age
Examines cognitive, social, and emotional development
Key topics:
- Stages of development (e.g. Piaget's theory, Erikson's psychosocial theory)
- Language acquisition and development
- Social and emotional development (e.g. attachment, moral development)
- Influence of genetics and environment on development

Abnormal Psychology

Studies unusual patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior that deviate from societal norms
Examines causes, symptoms, and treatments of mental disorders
Key topics:
- DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.) classification system
- Anxiety disorders (e.g. phobias, OCD)
- Mood disorders (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder)
- Personality disorders (e.g. borderline personality disorder)
- Treatment approaches (e.g. psychotherapy, medication)

Studies how people think, feel, and behave in social situations
Examines the impact of social influences on individual behavior
Key topics:
- Social perception and attribution
- Attitudes and persuasion
- Group dynamics and social influence
- Interpersonal attraction and relationships
- Aggression and prosocial behavior

Cognitive Psychology

Studies mental processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, and problem-solving
Examines how people process and retain information
Key topics:
- Information processing models (e.g. sensory memory, working memory)
- Attention and selective attention
- Memory types (e.g. short-term, long-term, episodic)
- Language processing and development
- Decision-making and problem-solving strategies

Neuropsychology

Studies the relationship between the brain and behavior
Examines the neural basis of cognitive and behavioral processes
Key topics:
- Brain structure and function (e.g. cerebral cortex, neurotransmitters)
- Localization of brain function (e.g. Broca's area, Wernicke's area)
- Neuroplasticity and brain development
- Neuropsychological disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, stroke)
- Neuroimaging techniques (e.g. fMRI, EEG)

Description

Explore the fundamentals of psychology, covering developmental, abnormal, social, cognitive, and neuropsychology. Learn about human development, mental disorders, social influences, mental processes, and the brain-behavior relationship.