Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of concepts and theories to understand human behavior, mental processes, and emotions. As a field expert, I can provide an overview of the key concepts in psychology, which are foundational to the study of the human mind and behavior.

1. Behavior:** This is the observable action of an individual, which can be studied directly. Psychologists are interested in both the nature and the causes of behavior.

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2. Cognition: Cognition refers to the mental processes of thinking, learning, memory, and problem-solving. It is the internal aspect of psychology that deals with how individuals perceive, process, and store information.

3. Consciousness:** The state of being aware of and able to think and perceive one's surroundings, thoughts, and emotions. It is a complex and not fully understood concept in psychology.

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4. Developmental Psychology: This branch of psychology focuses on how humans develop and change throughout their lifespan, from infancy to old age.

5. Emotion:** Emotions are complex psychological and physiological states that are often associated with particular thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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6. Personality: Personality is the unique set of characteristics, traits, and behaviors that distinguish one individual from another.

7. Psychopathology:** This is the study of mental disorders and abnormal behavior. It involves understanding the nature, causes, and treatments of psychological disorders.

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Social Psychology: The study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

9. Neuroscience:** While not unique to psychology, neuroscience is closely related and involves the study of the nervous system and brain, which underpins psychological functions.

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Learning: The process by which individuals acquire new knowledge, skills, or behaviors through experience.

11. Motivation:** The internal and external factors that drive individuals to engage in certain behaviors to achieve a goal.

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2. Perception: How individuals interpret sensory information from their environment to create a coherent understanding of the world around them.

13. Health Psychology:** This field examines the interaction between biological, social, and psychological factors in health and illness.

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4. Cognitive Neuroscience: The study of how the brain gives rise to mental processes, combining insights from psychology and neuroscience.

15. Psychotherapy:** The treatment of mental health issues through various therapeutic techniques aimed at improving mental well-being.

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6. Research Methods: The various scientific methods used to study psychological phenomena, including experiments, surveys, and case studies.

17. Evolutionary Psychology:** A perspective that considers the evolutionary basis of behavior and mental processes, suggesting that they have adaptive functions that have been shaped by natural selection.

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Positive Psychology: The study of positive human functioning, focusing on strengths and virtues rather than on illness or disorder.

19. Psychological Assessment:** The evaluation of individuals' psychological characteristics, often used for diagnosis and treatment planning.

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Industrial-Organizational Psychology: The application of psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on issues such as employee selection, training, and organizational behavior.

These concepts are not exhaustive but represent a broad spectrum of the field. The understanding of these concepts is deepened by empirical research, theoretical development, and clinical practice. Psychologists often pose questions about whether biological factors are primary influences on behavior or if environmental and ecological factors provide better explanations, as mentioned in the reference content. This debate is central to the ongoing development of psychological theory and practice.

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The key concepts in psychology are best understood by researching what determines human and non-human behaviour. Psychologists pose a variety of theories to explain the degree to which biological factors are primary influences or whether environmental and ecological factors provide better explanations.Nov 15, 2017read more >>