Psychology Final Exam Study Guide 1-5

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze information thoughtfully and question assumptions.

Skepticism

A questioning attitude toward knowledge, facts, or opinions stated as facts.

Objectivity

Maintaining neutrality and minimizing bias in research and analysis.

Curiosity

A strong desire to learn more about human behavior and mental processes.

Wundt’s Structuralism

A school of thought focused on breaking down mental processes into basic elements through introspection. (WHAT)

James’ Functionalism

A perspective emphasizing the purpose of mental processes in adapting to the environment. (WHY)

Darwin’s Natural Selection

The idea that behaviors evolve through natural selection, passing down advantageous traits.

Steps of the Scientific Method

A systematic process including observation, hypothesis, testing, conclusions, and evaluation.

Descriptive Research

Research involving observing and describing behaviors through various methods.

Observation: Watching Subjects in natural or controlled environments (Gottmans studies on relationships)

Survey & Interviews: Collects research to gain a greater understanding of a group

Case Studies: In depth analysis of an individual or group

Correlational Research

Examines relationships between variables to determine if they are related.

Experimental Research

Involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Internal Validity

Ensures that results are due to the independent variable, not extraneous factors.

External Validity

The extent to which findings can be generalized to the real world.

Random Samples

Participants selected randomly to represent a larger population.

Descriptive Statistics

Summarizes and describes characteristics of data.

Inferential Statistics

Makes predictions and inferences about a population based on sample data.

APA Guidelines

Ethical principles set by the American Psychological Association for conducting research.

Brainstem

Controls vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Thalamus

Acts as the brain's relay station for sensory information.

Limbic System

Involved in emotion and memory, including the hippocampus and amygdala.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Neurons

The fundamental units of the brain and nervous system.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize and adapt.

Corpus Callosum

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics resulting from the genotype and environmental influences.

Sensation

The process of detecting stimuli through sensory organs.

Perception

The interpretation of sensory information influenced by experience and context.

Attention

The process of focusing on specific stimuli while ignoring others.

Photoreception

The mechanism by which the eye perceives light.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum intensity of a stimulus that can be detected.

Selective Attention

Concentrating on one aspect of the environment while filtering out others.

Retina

The layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptors.

Rods

Photoreceptors sensitive to low light levels; responsible for night vision.

Cones

Photoreceptors that detect color and function well in bright light.

Cochlea

Converts sound waves into neural signals in the inner ear.

Consciousness

Awareness of self and environment, including arousal levels.

Circadian Rhythms

Biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle.

Sleep Stages

Different levels of sleep, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that alter perceptions, moods, and consciousness.

Hypnosis

An altered state of consciousness involving focus and suggestibility.