American Psychological Association
professional organization representing psychologists in the united states
Behaviorism
focus on observing and controlling behavior
Biopsychology
study of how biology influences behavior
Biopsychosocial model
perspective that asserts that biology, psychology, and social factors interact to determine an individuals health
Clinical psychology
area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior
Cognitive psychology
study of cognitions, or thoughts, and their relationship to experiences and actions
Counseling psychology
area of psychology that focuses on improving emotional, social, vocational and other aspects of the lives of psychologically healthy individuals
Developmental Psychology
scientific study of development across a lifespan
Dissertation
long research paper about research that was conducted as a part of the candidates doctoral training
Emperical Method
method for acquiring knowledge based on observation, including experimentation, rather than a method based only on forms of logical argument or previous authorities
Forensic psychology
area of psychology that applies the science and practice of psychology to issues within and related to the justice system
Functionalism
focused on how mental activities helped and organism adapt to its environment
Humanism
perspective within psychology that emphasizes the potential for good that is innate to all humans
Introspection
process by which someone examines their own conscious experience in an attempt to break it into its component parts
Ology
suffix that denotes "scientific study of"
Personality Psychology
study of patterns of thoughts and behaviors that make each individual unique
Personality Trait
consistent pattern of thought and behavior
PhD
(doctor of philosophy) doctoral degree conferred in many disciplinary perspectives housed in a traditional college of liberal arts and sciences
Post Doctoral Training Program
allows young scientists to further develop their research programs and broaden their research skills under the supervision of other professionals in the field
Psychoanalytic theory
focus on the role of the unconscious in affecting conscious behavior
PsyD
(doctor of psychology) doctoral degree that places less emphasis on research-oriented skills and focuses more on application of psychological principles in the clinical context
Sport and Exercise Psychology
area of psychology that focuses on the interactions between mental and emotional factors and physical performance in sports and exercise
Structuralism
understanding the conscious experience through introspection