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Psych Overview
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 2 main branches of psych | research & applied |
| psychology | scientific study of behaviors & mental processes |
| behaviors are | observable |
| mental processes are | unobservable |
| observable behaviors | reading, smiling, & sleeping |
| unobservable mental processes | thoughts, emotions, & dreams |
| 4 primary goals of psych | describe, explain, predict & control |
| describe | observe/record/communicate observations of behaviors/mental processes |
| explain | asking "why" |
| predict | try to determine what behaviors/mental processes will occur in the future |
| control | psychologists attempt to change behavior/mental processes |
| science, including psych, is | probabilistic |
| why is it important to use controlled, objective measures | to reduce bias |
| biopyschosocial approach | used when psychologists examine psychological questions/issues |
| single factor explanations generally | do NOT adequately address psychological issues |
| levels of approach to biopsychosocial approach | biological, psychological, & social/cultural influences |
| biological influences | genes, hormones, anatomical structures |
| psychological influences | skills to regulate stress & emotional distress, attributional style, schemas/mental models |
| social/cultural influences | media, social norms |