SIMPLIFIED STUDYGUIDE
psychology
the science of behavior and mental processes
Biological Approach
1. neurotransmitter imbalances
2. nervous system, especially the brain
3. genetics
4. endocrine system
Evolutionary Approach
1. natural selection
2. survival of the fittest
3. genetic adaptations
4. biological preparedness
Psychodynamic Approach
1. unconscious processes
2. childhood experiences
3. id, ego, and superego
4. ego defense mechanisms
Behavioral Approach
1. observable behavior
2. behavior and consequences
3. rewards and punishment
4. laws of learning
Cognitive Approach
1. cognition (thought)
2. problem-solving
,3. decision-making
4. belief system
Humanistic Approach
1. self-actualization (reaching one's full potential)
2. unconditional positive regard/empathy/congruence
3. person's unique worldview/capacity to "choose" how to
think and act
4. concern regarding conditions of worth
Positive Psychology
1. positive psychological states
2. counterbalances psychology focus on dysfunction
3. happiness, optimism, creativity, resilience, wisdom
4. sense of well-being
Cross-Cultural Approach
1. cultural values
2. universality and diversity
3. individualistic and collectivistic cultures
4. relevance of cultural factors
Eclectic Approach
to draw from multiple approaches
Individualist culture
1. focus is on the individual or self
2. Money is seen as opportunity and options
3. Time drives biological processes and implicitly affects
individual (time is a conscious priority)
Collectivist culture
focus on the collective unit or group
naturalistic observation
the process of watching a
phenomenon without interfering with what you are
observing
, case study
intensive examinations of a particular person, small group,
or situation
survey research
provides broad, general information about behaviors,
attitudes, beliefs, opinions, interests, and/or intentions of a
large group of people
correlation research
identifies patterns of relationships, but correlations cannot
infer causation.
quasi-experimental design
used for when it is unethical for the researcher to expose
the subjects to the independent variable so the researcher
studies the independent variable in a group of people that
have already exposed themselves to the independent
variable
experimental research
manipulates one variable and the effect it produces on
another variable
reliability
the extent to which the results of the survey or research
can be repeated
validity
the extent to which the survey measures what it claims to
measure
hypothesis
statement that can be tested
operational definitions
the specific definition and measurement of a concept
independent variable
variable the researcher manipulates in an experiment