Chapter 1: The Science Of Psychology

Front 1

Adaptations

Back 1

In evolutionary theory, the physical characteristics, skills, or abilities that increase the chances of reproduction or survival and are therefore likely to be passed along to future generations.

Front 2

Behaviorism

Back 2

A psychological approach that emphasizes the role of environmental forces in producing behavior.

Front 3

Cognitive neuroscience

Back 3

The study of the neural mechanisms (mechanisms involving the brain, nerves, and nervous tissue) that underlie thought, learning, and memory.

Front 4

Cognitive psychology

Back 4

The study of how people think, learn, and remember.

Front 5

Critical thinking

Back 5

Systematically evaluating information to reach reasonable conclusions.

Front 6

Culture

Back 6

The beliefs, values, rules, and customs that exist within a group of people who share a common language and environment and that are transmitted through learning from one generation to the next.

Front 7

Evolutionary theory

Back 7

A theory presented by the naturalist Charles Darwin; it views the history of a species in terms of the inherited, adaptive value of physical characteristics, of mental activity, and of behavior.

Front 8

Functionalism

Back 8

An approach to psychology concerned with the adaptive purpose, or function, of mind and behavior.

Front 9

Gestalt theory

Back 9

A theory based on the idea that the whole of personal experience is different from simply the sum of its constituent elements.

Front 10

Introspection

Back 10

A systematic examination of subjective mental experiences that requires people to inspect and report on the content of their thoughts.

Front 11

Mind/body problem

Back 11

A fundamental psychological issue: Are mind and body separate and distinct, or is the mind simply the physical brain's subjective experience?

Front 12

Natural selection

Back 12

In evolutionary theory, the idea that those who inherit characteristics that help them adapt to their particular environments have a selective advantage over those who do not.

Front 13

Nature/nurture debate

Back 13

The arguments concerning whether psychological characteristics are biologically innate or acquired through education, experience, and culture.

Front 14

Psychoanalysis

Back 14

A method developed by Sigmund Freud that attempts to bring the contents of the unconscious into conscious awareness so that conflicts can be revealed.

Front 15

Psychological science

Back 15

The study of mind, brain, and behavior.

Front 16

Social psychology

Back 16

The study of how people are influenced by their interactions with others.

Front 17

Stream of consciousness

Back 17

A phrase coined by William James to describe each person's continuous series of ever-changing thoughts.

Front 18

Structuralism

Back 18

An approach to psychology based on the idea that conscious experience can be broken down into its basic underlying components.

Front 19

Unconscious

Back 19

The mental processes that operate below the level of conscious awareness.

Front 20

Personality Psychology

Back 20

The study of characteristics, thoughts, emotions and behaviors in people and how they vary across social situations.