Introduction to Psychology: Key Terms and Concepts
1. Psychology
The scientific study of overt behavior and mental processes (covering behavior).
2. Scientific Observation
An empirical investigation structured to answer questions about the world in a systematic and intersubjective fashion.
3. Research Method
A systematic approach to answering scientific questions.
4. Control
Altering conditions that influence behavior.
5. Critical Thinking
A type of reflection involving the support of beliefs through scientific explanation and observation.
6. Scientific Method
A form of critical thinking based on careful measurements and controlled observation.
7. Hypothesis
A statement of the predicted outcome of an experiment or an educated guess about the relationship between variables.
8. Theory
A system of ideas designed to interrelate concepts and facts in a way that summarizes existing data and predicts future observations.
9. Introspection
To look within; to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, or sensations.
10. Functionalism
The school of psychology concerned with how behavior and mental abilities help people adapt to their environments.
11. Behaviorism
The school of psychology that emphasizes the study of overt, observable behavior.
12. Psychoanalysis
A Freudian approach to psychotherapy emphasizing the exploration of unconscious conflicts.
13. Humanism
An approach to psychology that focuses on human experience, problems, potentials, and ideas.
14. Neuron
An individual nerve cell.
15. Central Nervous System
The brain and spinal cord.
16. Peripheral Nervous System
All parts of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
17. Autonomic Nervous System
The system of nerves carrying information to and from the internal organs and glands.
18. Sympathetic Branch
The branch of the ANS (autonomic nervous system) that arouses the body.
19. Parasympathetic Branch
The branch of the ANS that quiets the body.
20. Synapse
The microscopic space between two neurons, over which messages pass.
21. Neurotransmitter
Any chemical released by a neuron that alters activity in other neurons.
22. Oedipal Conflict
A Freudian concept describing a child’s unconscious desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent.
23. Frontal Lobes
Areas of the cortex associated with movement, the sense of self, and higher mental functions.
24. Parietal Lobes
Areas of the cortex that include the sites in which bodily sensations register.
25. Temporal Lobes
Areas of the cortex that include the sites in which hearing registers in the brain.
26. Occipital Lobes
Portion of the cerebral cortex in which vision registers in the brain.
27. Limbic System
A system in the forebrain that is closely linked with emotional responses.
28. Endocrine System
Glands whose secretions pass directly into the bloodstream or lymph system.
29. Hormones
A glandular secretion that affects bodily functions or behavior.
30. Pineal Gland
Gland in the brain that helps regulate body rhythms and sleep cycles.
31. Individual Traits
Personality traits that define a person’s unique individual qualities.
32. The Five-Factor Model
Proposes that there are five universal dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
33. Accommodation
In Piaget’s theory, the modification of existing mental patterns to fit new demands.
34. Self-Actualization
The process of fully developing personal potentials.
35. Incongruence
A state that exists when there is a discrepancy between one’s experiences and self-image or between one’s self-image and ideal self.
36. Ideal Self
An idealized image of oneself (the person one would like to be).
37. Unconditional Positive Regard
Unshakable love and approval given without qualification.
38. Social Learning Theory
An explanation of personality that combines learning principles, cognition, and the effects of social relationships.
39. Self-Image
The total subjective perception of one’s body and personality (another term for self-concept).
40. Developmental Psychology
The study of progressive changes in behavior and abilities from conception to death.
41. Heredity
The transmission of physical and psychological characteristics from parents to offspring through genes.
42. Chromosomes
Threadlike “colored bodies” in the nucleus of each cell that are made up of DNA.
43. Readiness
A condition that exists when maturation has advanced enough to allow the rapid acquisition of a particular skill.
44. Genetic Disorders
Problems caused by defects in the genes or by inherited characteristics.
45. Environment
The sum of all external conditions affecting development, including especially the effects of learning.
46. Temperament
The physical core of personality, including emotional and perceptual sensitivity, energy levels, typical mood, and so forth.
47. Social Smile
Smiling elicited by social stimuli, such as seeing a parent’s face.
48. Emotional Attachment
An especially close emotional bond that infants form with their parents, caregivers, or others.
49. Separation Anxiety
Distress displayed by infants when they are separated from their parents or principal caregivers.
50. Secure Attachment
A stable and positive emotional bond.
51. Parental Styles
Identifiable patterns of parental caretaking and interaction with children.
52. Biological Predisposition
The presumed hereditary readiness of humans to learn certain skills, such as how to use language, or a readiness to behave in particular ways.
53. Self-Esteem
Regarding oneself as a worthwhile person; a positive evaluation of oneself.
valuation of oneself.