Key Definitions in Psychology

Key Definitions

• Behavior: Observable actions performed by an individual, encompassing movements, verbal communication, and emotional expressions.
• Equilibrium or Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions, crucial for survival and functioning.
• Physiological or Biological: Related to the biological processes and functions of living organisms, often utilized in understanding behavior.
• Cognitive or Psychological: Involving mental processes like perception, memory, and reasoning, influencing how individuals think and feel.
• Theory: A systematic explanation of observed phenomena; in psychology, it provides a framework for understanding behavior and mental processes.
• Psychological Principles: Fundamental concepts that guide psychological research and practice, helping to interpret behavior and mental processes.
• Psychologist: A professional trained in the study of human behavior and mental processes, often providing therapy or conducting research.
• Psychiatry: A branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, typically involving medication management.
• Developmental Psychologists: Specialists examining the psychological growth and changes across a lifespan, from infancy to old age.
• Educational Psychologists: Professionals focused on how people learn and the effectiveness of educational programs, helping to improve teaching methods and learning strategies.
• Community Psychologists: Focus on social issues and community-level interventions to enhance well-being within communities.
• Industrial Psychologists: Apply psychological principles in workplace settings to improve worker productivity and satisfaction.
• Counseling Psychologists: Help individuals cope with everyday life issues and foster personal growth via therapeutic techniques.
• Clinical Psychologists: Evaluate and treat a range of mental health disorders using psychological theory and practice.

Goals of Psychology

• To describe behavior
• To explain behavior
• To predict behavior
• To change behavior

Behavior Prediction

• Behavior is predicted by understanding underlying motivations, typically through cognitive evaluations and historical context.

Emotions Related to Behavior Prediction

• Fear
• Anger
• Happiness

Basic vs Applied Science

• Basic Science: Focuses on acquiring knowledge to enhance understanding, without immediate practical application.
• Applied Science: Aims to use psychological knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Scientific Method in Psychology

• Identify a problem
• Conduct background research
• Formulate a hypothesis
• Collect data through experimentation
• Analyze the results
• Draw conclusions and report findings

Historical Approaches

• Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Psychoanalysis, Gestalt Psychology.

Contemporary Approaches

• Cognitive, Biological, Behavioral, Humanistic, Sociocultural, Evolutionary Psychology.

Fathers of Psychology

• Father of Psychology: Wilhelm Wundt, established the first psychology laboratory.
• US Father of Psychology: William James, known for his contributions to functionalism and pragmatism.

Unconscious/Subconscious Motivation

• Refers to drives or desires not directly accessible to awareness but influencing behavior; aligns with the Psychoanalytic approach.

Behavioral/Behaviorism Approach

• Focuses on observable behavior and the effects of environmental stimuli; emphasizes conditioning and reinforcement in shaping behavior.

Humanist/Humanism Approach

• Emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of individuals, promoting an optimistic view of human nature.

Cognitive Perspective

• Examines mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem-solving; explores how these processes influence behavior and emotions.

Biological Approach

• Investigates the physiological bases of behavior, including genetics, brain structures, and neurochemistry.

Sociocultural Approach

• Considers how social and cultural factors influence behavior, emphasizing the impact of social norms and environments on individuals.

Evolutionary Approach

• Analyzes behavior through the lens of evolutionary theory, suggesting that certain behaviors have developed to enhance survival and reproduction.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

• Nature (biological factors) is often tied to the Biological approach, while Nurture (environmental influences) relates to the Sociocultural approach.
• Both perspectives explore how genetics and environment contribute to behavior and personality development.

Top Areas of Psychology

• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Explore the fundamental definitions and concepts in psychology, including behavior, homeostasis, and cognitive processes. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of key psychological principles and the roles of psychologists. Test your knowledge and comprehension of essential terms used in the field of psychology.