MCAT Social and Behavioral Sciences

An exploration of the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence human health and behavior, tailored for MCAT preparation.

Foundations of PsychologySocial Structure and DemographicsCulture and Identity
Psychological Disorders and TreatmentSocialization and Group DynamicsSocial Stratification and Inequality
Application of the Biopsychosocial Model in MedicineCultural Competence in HealthcareAddressing Social Determinants of Health
Critical Reading and Passage AnalysisApplying Theories to Scenarios
Foundations of Psych...Social Structure and...Culture and IdentityPsychological Disord...Socialization and Gr...Social Stratificatio...Application of the B...Cultural Competence ...Addressing Social De...Critical Reading and...Applying Theories to...
Basic Concepts

Foundations of Psychology

Understanding Human Behavior

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It helps us understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The MCAT tests foundational psychological concepts, including cognition, emotion, learning, and motivation.

Key Theories and Perspectives

  • Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they're learned (think of Pavlov’s dogs and Skinner’s pigeons).
  • Cognitive: Looks at mental processes like memory and problem-solving.
  • Humanistic: Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization.

Why It Matters

Understanding these perspectives helps future doctors empathize with patients, predict behaviors, and promote healthy choices.

Real-World Impact

Grasping psychology can improve communication with patients, help identify mental health issues, and inform treatment plans.

Examples

  • A doctor uses positive reinforcement to encourage a patient to stick to a medication schedule.

  • Understanding memory pitfalls helps a physician explain why patients may forget appointments.

In a Nutshell

Psychology explores the mental processes and behaviors that shape human experience.

Key Terms

Cognition
The set of mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Behaviorism
The theory that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment.
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Social Structure and Demographics