Psychology

Sensory Memory

Brief retention of sensory information.

Short-Term Memory (STM)

Holds information for a short duration (about 20-30 seconds).

Long-Term Memory (LTM)

Stores information for extended periods, potentially a lifetime.

Encoding

Transforming information into a format suitable for storage.

Storage

Maintaining information over time.

Retrieval

Accessing stored information when needed.

Multi-Store Model

Proposes distinct memory stores (sensory, STM, LTM).

Working Memory Model

Focuses on STM as an active processing system.

Rehearsal

Repeating information to enhance retention.

Context

Environmental cues can aid retrieval.

Emotional State

Emotions can influence memory recall.

Misattribution

Incorrectly recalling the source of information.

Bias

Current beliefs affecting memory recall.

Perception

The process of interpreting sensory information to understand the environment.

Gestalt Principles

Emphasize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Bottom-Up Processing

Starts with sensory input; perception builds from the smallest pieces of sensory information.

Top-Down Processing

Uses prior knowledge and experiences to interpret sensory information.

Cultural Background

Shapes how we interpret stimuli.

Expectations

Prior experiences can influence perception.

Context (Perception)

Surrounding environment affects interpretation.

Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development

Theory outlining how children's thinking evolves through four distinct stages.

Sensorimotor Stage

Development of sensory and motor skills from birth to 2 years.

Preoperational Stage

Characterized by symbolic thinking and egocentrism from 2 to 7 years.

Concrete Operational Stage

Onset of logical thought from 7 to 11 years.

Formal Operational Stage

Introduction of abstract reasoning from 12 years and up.

Erikson's Psychosocial Development

Theory outlining eight critical stages of psychosocial development.

Trust vs

First stage of Erikson's theory focusing on caregiver reliability in infancy.

Integrity vs

Final stage of Erikson's theory reflecting on life in old age.

Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

Highlights the impact of early relationships on emotional and social development.

Secure Attachment

Children feel safe to explore and seek comfort from caregivers.

Insecure Attachment

Can manifest as anxious or avoidant behaviors.

Disorganized Attachment

Often results from inconsistent caregiving.

Nature vs

Examines the roles of genetic predispositions and environmental factors in development.

Cultural Influences

Culture profoundly impacts development.

Cognitive Psychology

Focuses on essential mental processes such as memory and perception.

Developmental Psychology

Examines how individuals grow and change throughout their lives.

Social Psychology

Investigates the dynamics of human interaction and influence.

Biological Psychology

Focuses on the physiological and genetic bases of behavior.

Experiments

Structured studies designed to test hypotheses by manipulating variables.

Surveys

Collecting data through questionnaires or interviews to assess attitudes and behaviors.

Observations

Systematically watching and recording behaviors in natural or controlled environments.

Conformity

Adjusting behaviors or beliefs to match group norms.

Obedience

Following direct orders from an authority figure.

Group Polarization

Group discussions leading to more extreme positions.

Social Facilitation

Improved performance in the presence of others.

Deindividuation

Loss of self-awareness in groups, leading to atypical behavior.