The scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Behavior
Any action that can be observed and recorded
Mental processes
Internal states that are inferred from behavior, including thoughts, beliefs, and feelings
Psychology's Current Perspectives
Neuroscience
Evolutionary
Behavior genetics
Psychodynamic
Behavioral
Cognitive
Social-cultural
Neuroscience perspective
Focuses on how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences
Evolutionary perspective
Focuses on how the natural selection of traits passed down from one generation to the next has promoted the survival of genes
Behavior genetics perspective
Focuses on how our genes and our environment influence our individual differences
Psychodynamic perspective
Focuses on how behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts
Behavioral perspective
Focuses on how we learn observable responses
Cognitive perspective
Focuses on how we encode, process, store, and retrieve information
Social-cultural perspective
Focuses on how behavior and thinking vary across situations and cultures
Eclectic approach
Focusing on different parts of different perspectives
Clinical psychologist (Ph.D.)
Studies, assesses, and treats using psychotherapy
Psychiatrists (M.D.)
Prescribe medication and psychotherapy to treat
Positive psychology
The scientific study of human functioning, with the goal of discovering and promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive
Happiness is a by-product of a pleasant, engaged, and meaningful life
Nature
Inherited characteristics that influence personality, physical and intellectual growth, and social interactions
Nurture
Environmental factors such as parental styles, physical surroundings, and economic issues
Identical twins have the same genes, making them ideal participants in studies designed to shed light on hereditary and environmental influences
Fraternal twins have different genes but often share the same environment
Theory
A broad explanation that organizes and predicts behavior or events
Hypothesis
A testable prediction based on a theory, which allows us to accept, reject or revise the theory
Operational definition
The specific way in which a variable is measured or manipulated in a study
Repeating the essence of a research study to see whether the basic finding can be reproduced
Case studies
Examine one individual or group in depth, providing fruitful ideas but not uncovering general truths
Naturalistic observations
Technique of observing and recording behavior in a natural environment, describing but not explaining behavior
Surveys
Techniques for obtaining self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a group, examining many cases in less depth
Correlation
A measure of the extent to which two events vary together, and how well either one predicts the other
Correlation coefficient
A mathematical expression of the relationship, ranging from -1.00 to +1.00
Positive correlation
Indicates a direct relationship where two things increase together or decrease together
Negative correlation
Indicates an inverse relationship where as one thing increases, the other decreases
Weak correlation
Coefficient near zero, indicating little or no relationship
Correlation indicates the possibility of a cause-effect relationship, but it does not prove causation
Experiments
A method in which researchers vary one or more factors to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process, using random assignment and control groups
Experimental group
Group exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable
Control group
Group not exposed to the treatment, serving as a comparison for judging the effect of the treatment
Double-blind procedure
A procedure in which both the participants and the research staff are unaware who has received the treatment or the placebo
Placebo
Inactive substance or condition that is given to those in a control group in place of the treatment given to the experimental group