the idea that knowledge comes from experience, and that observation and

experimentation enable scientific knowledge.

an early school of thought promoted by Wundt and Titchener; used

introspection to reveal the structure of the human mind.

the process of looking inward in an attempt to directly observe one’s own

psychological processes.

an early school of thought promoted by James and influenced by Darwin;

explored how mental and behavioral processes function—how they enable the

organism to adapt, survive, and flourish.

the view that psychology (1) should be an objective science that (2) studies

behavior without reference to mental processes. Most psychologists today agree

with (1) but not with (2).

a historically significant perspective that emphasized human growth potential.

the study of mental processes, such as occur when we perceive, learn,

remember, think, communicate, and solve problems.

the interdisciplinary study of the brain activity linked with cognition (including

perception, thinking, memory, and language).

the science of behavior and mental processes.

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and

experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors.

Today’s science sees traits and behaviors arising from the interaction of nature

and nurture.

the principle that inherited traits that better enable an organism to survive and

reproduce in a particular environment will (in competition with other trait

variations) most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural

selection.

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental

influences on behavior.

the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group

of people and transmitted from one generation to the next.

the scientific study of human flourishing, with the goals of discovering and

promoting strengths and virtues that help individuals and communities to thrive.

an integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-

cultural viewpoints.

the scientific study of observable behavior, and its explanation by principles of

learning.

the scientific study of the links between biological (genetic, neural, hormonal)

and psychological processes. (Some biological psychologists call themselves

behavioral neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, behavior geneticists,

physiological psychologists, or biopsychologists.)

a branch of psychology that studies how unconscious drives and conflicts

influence behavior and uses that information to treat people with psychological

disorders.

the study of how situations and cultures affect our behavior and thinking.

enhanced memory after retrieving, rather than simply rereading, information.

Also referred to as a retrieval practice effect or test-enhanced learning.

the scientific study of the measurement of human abilities, attitudes, and traits.

pure science that aims to increase the scientific knowledge base.

a branch of psychology that studies physical, cognitive, and social change

throughout the life span.

the study of how psychological processes affect and can enhance teaching and

learning.

the study of individuals’ characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting.

the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another.

scientific study that aims to solve practical problems.

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human

behavior in workplaces.

a field of psychology allied with I/O psychology that explores how people and

machines interact and how machines and physical environments can be made

safe and easy to use.

a branch of psychology that assists people with problems in living (often related

to school, work, or marriage) and in achieving greater well-being.

a branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with

psychological disorders.

a branch of medicine dealing with psychological disorders; practiced by

physicians who are licensed to provide medical (for example, drug) treatments

as well as psychological therapy.

a branch of psychology that studies how people interact with their social

environments and how social institutions affect individuals and groups.