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The branch of science that studies the mind and behavior.

A tentative explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through scientific methods.

A comprehensive explanation or group of explanations supported by consistent evidence over time, explaining a specific aspect of the natural world.

The process of using observation and experimentation to gather evidence and test hypotheses.

A method of acquiring knowledge based on observation, experimentation, and measurable data, rather than theoretical arguments or previous authorities.

Psychological science relies on data that can be measured and objectively observed.

Psychology became a recognized academic discipline in the late 1800s.

Freud argued that childhood experiences shape adult motivations, unconscious drives influence behavior, mental representations guide interactions, and personality develops over time.

Freud's theories have been supported by modern research and some of his clinical methods, like exploring unconscious aspects of the self, are still used in psychotherapy.

Gestalt psychology emphasizes how individual parts of a sensory experience relate to each other as a whole, influencing how we perceive it.

Gestalt psychology directly contradicts structuralism, which breaks down experiences into basic components. Gestalt sees the meaning in the entire pattern.

Wertheimer, Koffka, and Köhler were key figures in introducing Gestalt psychology to the US.

Moving to the US forced Gestalt pioneers to abandon much of their research due to limitations and a lack of resources.

Childhood experiences, unconscious motivations, and mental representations are essential aspects of Freud's theory.

Modern applications of Freud's work, such as exploring the unconscious, are used in psychotherapy to help individuals understand themselves better.

A psychological approach that focuses on the individual's subjective experiences, self-awareness, and potential for growth. It emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in the therapeutic relationship.

A period in the history of psychology where there was a renewed focus on mental processes, such as perception, cognition, and memory, after behaviorism's emphasis on observable behavior.

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and environmental influences in shaping behavior.

A movement in psychology that emphasized the individual's unique qualities, free will, and potential for self-actualization.

An American linguist who played a significant role in initiating the cognitive revolution by challenging the dominance of behaviorism.

An interdisciplinary approach that combines insights from psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, computer science, and other fields to study the mind and cognitive processes.

A textbook published in 1967 by Ulric Neisser that marked a crucial turning point in the development of cognitive psychology.

The influence of the cognitive revolution in psychology helped to bridge the gap between American and European psychology, leading to renewed collaboration and exchange of ideas.

A controlled environment used in behavioral research where an animal can perform a specific action, typically pressing a lever or button, to receive a reward or punishment. The box allows for the study of operant conditioning.

The process where a behavior is strengthened or weakened due to the consequences that follow it. This occurs when actions are followed by either positive reinforcements (rewards) or negative reinforcements (removal of unpleasant stimuli), or punishments (consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior).

A school of psychology that emphasizes the role of observable behavior and its relation to environmental factors in understanding human actions and development. It proposes that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment.

A psychological perspective that focuses on the innate goodness of human beings and their potential for growth, self-actualization, and fulfillment. It emphasizes subjective experiences, personal agency, and meaning-making.

A concept that describes a hierarchy of needs, suggesting that people are motivated by various needs starting from basic survival needs to more complex, psychologically-driven ones. These needs are arranged in a pyramid, with lower-level needs needing to be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed.

The highest level of need in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, characterized by the drive to reach one's full potential and become the best version of oneself. It involves growth, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment.

The field of psychology that analyzes how individuals interact and connect with others.

A collection of five broad personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

A consistent pattern of thoughts and behaviors that characterize an individual.

A quantitative approach that focuses on identifying, measuring, and understanding how personality traits interact in specific situations.

The tendency to explain our own actions differently than how we explain the actions of others.

A controversial study by Stanley Milgram that explored the extent to which individuals obey authority figures, even when it contradicts their own beliefs.

A measure of how stable personality traits remain over time.

The field of psychology that focuses on studying how individual differences in personality impact behavior and experiences.

A forensic psychologist can help with selecting jurors and preparing witnesses for trial. They might also treat people within the criminal justice system.

Criminal profilers analyze crime scenes and criminal behavior to understand the offender's personality and motives. They consult with law enforcement to help solve crimes.

To work as a psychologist, most specialties require a doctorate in psychology (PhD), while others need a master's degree.

A PhD is a doctorate in philosophy but not necessarily focused on philosophy itself. It often involves studying academic disciplines like history, literature, or science.

To earn a PhD, students need to complete a dissertation, a long research paper or collection of published articles based on their doctoral research.

Before getting the PhD, a dissertation needs to be defended in front of experts who evaluate the research and its quality.

Many psychologists with PhDs become faculty at colleges or universities, combining teaching, research, and service to the institution.

Faculty at colleges and universities might switch jobs to find the best fit for their personal preferences and research interests.