The scientific student of mental processes, behavior, and feelings of humans and/or animals.
Goals of Psychology
To describe, explain, predict, and influence human and animal behavior.
Hypothesis
An assumption or prediction about behavior that is tested through scientific research and experimentation.
Theory
A set of assumptions used to explain phenomena and offered for scientific study
Basic Science
Te pursuit of knowledge about natural phenomena for its own sake
Applied Science
Discovering ways to use scientific finding to accomplish practical goals
Scientific Method
A systematic approach to gathering information and answering questions so that errors and biases are minimized
Wihelm Wundt
Known as the "Father of Psychology," he established first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany.
Phrenology
The practice of studying the bumps on a person's head to make judgements about that person's personality/mental state.
Pseudoscience
Purported "scientific discoveries" which have little actual basis in science. (ex. Fidget Spinners help ADHD)
Structuralism
the psychological study of the basic elements that make up conscious mental experiences
Introspection
A method of self-observation in which participants report their thoughts and feelings
Functionalism
The psychological study of how people and animals have adapted their mental processes and behaviors to their environments
William James
Psychologist at Harvard University who is credited with writing the first psychological textbook "Principles of Psychology." He also helped pioneer the functionalist approach to psychological study.
Sigmund Freud
Established the psychoanalytic study of psychology which focuses on the influence of the unconscious mind on human thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Sometimes referred to as the "Father of Modern Psychology."
Psychoanalysis
Study of psychology which focuses on how unconscious motives and conflicts influence human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Behavioral Psychology
Pioneered by Ivan Pavlov, a branch of psychology which analyzes how organisms learn to adapt or modify their behavior based on certain stimuli in the environment.
Ivan Pavlov
Pioneered the Behavioral Approach to Psychology with his study on how dogs learned to have a biological responses (salivation) to a learned stimuli (bell).
John Watson
Behavioral Psychologist who argued that a person can be conditioned to respond to a specific stimuli. Leading psychologist on the "Little Albert" experiment.
B.F. Skinner
Behavioral Psychologist who introduces the concept that behavior can be modified through a combination of reinforcement and/or punishments.
Humanist Psychology
An approach to psychology that argues that each person has freedom in directing his/her own future and achievement of personal growth. Pioneered by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.
Abraham Maslow & Carl Rogers
Pioneered the Humanist Approach to Psychological study. Argue that in order for psychological growth to be met, certain physiological and psychological needs must be met.
Cognitive Psychology
Study of how humans process, store, retrieve , and use information/memories. Pioneered by Piaget, Chomsky, & Festinger
Jean Piaget
Cognitive Psychologist who focused on the study of children's behavior and on how children learn. Greatly influenced early childhood education.
Biological Psychology
Study of how genetics, physiology, and chemical changes in the body impacts human behavior.
Sociocultural Psychology
Study of how social interactions, gender, culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence human behavior and thought process.
Psychiatry
Branch of medicine that address mental, emotional, and/or behavioral health
Clinical Psychologist
A psychologist who diagnoses and treats people with emotional, behavioral, and/or thinking disorders.
Counseling Psychologist
A psychologist who helps people address the problems faced during daily life. Sometimes referred to as a therapist.
Developmental Psychologist
A psychologist who studies the emotional, cognitive, biological, and social changes that occur as a person matures.
Educational Psychologist
A psychologist who is concerned with helping students learn,and the diagnosing and treatment of learning disorders.
Community Psychologist
A psychologist who works in mental health and social welfare programming
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist (I/O)
A psychologist who specializes in making the workplace more satisfying and/or productive for its employees
Environmental Psychologist
A psychologist who studies the effects of the environment on people. (ex. impact of public parks on mental health)
American Psychological Association
The scientific and professional organization who work to advance the science and profession of psychology to promote human well-being. Establishes safe standards for psychological research and experimentation.