Developmental psychology.pdf

594 Glossary
psychoanalysis A system of understanding human
behavior based on Freud's writings. Emphasis is placed
upon unconscious determinants of behavior. Also, a
method of psychotherapy which typically involves free
association and analysis of dreams. The data made
available through these procedures are usually
interpreted in accordance with psychoanalytic theory.
psychoanalyst A psychologist or psychiatrist who is
qualified to use psychoanalytic procedures in dealing
with mental disorders.
psychodrama A method of therapy in which mental
patients act out situations relevant to their difficulties.
psychological cue In space perception, a cue which
becornes meaningful through previous experience in
comparable situations.
psychologist Usually, an individual who has completed a
program of graduate study in psychology and is
engaged in research, clinical treatment, teaching, or
other applications of psychology. In most states,
persons in private practice who call themselves
psychologists must be certified or licensed by law.
psychology The science of behavior and experience; the
science of the adjustments of organisms to their
environments.
psychoneurosis See neurosis.
psychopathic A general term often referring to unspecified
psychological maladjustments. Sometimes used as
synonymous with sociopathic disorder.
psychophysics Quantitative measurement of the relation
between experienced aspects of stimulation, such as
brightness and loudness, and the characteristics of the
stimulus, such as its intensity.
psychosocial stages Stages in the life cycle postulated
by Erik Erikson. Each of the eight stages poses a
particular crisis or problem, usually pertaining to
relationships with other people. The solution at each
stage has repercussions for solutions at later stages.
See trust versus mistrust, autonomy versus doubt,
initiative versus guilt, industry versus inferiority, identity
versus role diffusion, intimacy versus isolation,
generativity versus stagnation, integrity versus despair.
psychosis A serious type of mental disorder in which the
individual loses contact with reality and thus becomes
unable to manage the problems encountered in daily
life. It is known, legally, as insanity, and it usually
requires treatment in a mental hospital. The person is
said to be psychotic. This disorder is characterized by
disturbed thought processes, extreme emotions, and, in
some cases, delusions. A common form is
schizophrenia.
psychosomatic reaction A branch of medicine concerned
with physical disorders, such as some allergies, high
blood pressure, and ulcers, which originate in or are
aggravated by emotional difficulties.
psychosurgery The use of surgical methods in the
treatment of psychological problems; brain surgery
performed on mental patients in an effort to alleviate the
disorder.
psychotherapy Any expressive interview procedure,
usually verbal, used to alleviate behavior disorders and
adjustment problems.
psychotic disorder Deriving from a psychosis; the person
who has a psychosis.
psychotomimetic A term applied to drugs producing a
stage similar to psychosis.
psychotropic Drugs used to alleviate mental illness; the
therapeutic use of drugs.
public distance The study of personal interaction at
distances beyond 25 feet. This distance is the fourth
and last zone identified in studies of the use of
interpersonal space. It is so-named because it
commonly occurs in public gatherings, as when
someone stops to observe another individual performing
acrobatics in a public park. See proxemics.
punishment The appearance of negative consequences
following an action. Not to be confused with negative
reinforcement, which is the disappearance of negative
consequences following an action, and therefore a form
of reward.
pupillary opening The opening in the iris through which
light enters the eye.
pupillary reflex Constriction or dilation of the pupil, as
when more light strikes the eye or when light is
decreased.
Q-sort A method of personality assessment in which the
subject sorts a large deck of statements about human
behavior into categories, according to the extent to
which they apply to him or her.
qualitative Having to do with certain distinguishable
aspects of experience—such as sour, blue, and middle
С These are called "qualitative" aspects of experience
or merely "qualities," in contrast to the intensive or
"quantitative" aspects of experience, such as the
sourness of what is sour, the brightness of blue, and the
loudness of middle С
quantification The process of measuring intensity or
degree. Psychophysics, for example, is quantitative in
the sense that it deals with measuring stimulation and
observable'responses, often in terms of intensity. The
assigning of numerical values.
questionnaire A series of items or questions presented to
one or more individuals for the purpose of gathering
information. The results are usually treated statistically.
See open-ended item, structured item.
quota sample A sample which includes subgroups of
people or items in the same proportion as they are
represented in the population. If the population is onehalf
red, one-fourth blue, and one-fourth green, the
sample is composed of subgroups in these same ratios.
Within each subgroup, the members of the sample are
chosen on a random basis. See random sample.
random groups Groups of subjects, usually large in
number, formed on a random basis, generally for
purposes of research. Compare with matched groups.
random sample The selection of subjects or items for
research, on the basis of chance. The cases are chosen
from the population in such a way that all of them
presumably have the same chance of being selected.
range The difference between the highest and lowest
scores in a series.