Introduction to Psychology Chapters

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)

Social Psychology

• 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)