Research Methods and Biological Behaviors

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to research methods and biological behaviors studied in psychology.

Descriptive methods

Research methods that describe data without manipulating variables.

Observational studies

Studies where researchers observe subjects in their natural environment.

Naturalistic observation

A type of observational study where subjects are observed without their knowledge.

Participant observation

A method where researchers become part of the group they are studying.

Self-reports

Data gathered through surveys or interviews where participants report their own thoughts.

Socially desirable responding

When respondents give answers they think are favorable rather than truthful.

Case studies

In-depth investigations of a single individual, group, or event.

Correlation methods

Research techniques used to assess the relationships between two measured variables.

Positive correlation

A relationship where both variables move in the same direction.

Negative correlation

A relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases.

No correlation

A situation where there is no discernible relationship between two variables.

Directionality problem

The challenge in determining which of two correlated variables is the cause and which is the effect.

Third variable problem

An external factor that may influence the relationship between two variables.

Independent variable

The variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Random assignment

A technique used to assign participants to different groups in an experiment to ensure equality.

Myelin sheath

A fatty layer that surrounds and insulates axons to speed up neural transmission.

Action potential

An electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals from one neuron to another.

Grey matter

Regions of the brain composed mainly of neuronal cell bodies.

White matter

Regions of the brain consisting mainly of myelinated axons.

Frontal lobe

The area of the brain responsible for thought, planning, and movement.

Temporal lobe

The brain region involved in hearing and memory.

Parietal lobe

The brain area associated with touch and spatial awareness.

Occipital lobe

The part of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Amygdala

The brain structure involved in emotional processing, particularly fear.

Hippocampus

A brain structure critical for the formation of new explicit memories.

Thalamus

The brain region that acts as a sensory gateway, excluding smell.

Basal ganglia

Structures that help control movement and are associated with reward.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Gene by environment interaction

The concept that genetic predispositions can be influenced by environmental factors.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions.

Implicit memory

Unconscious memory that influences thoughts and behaviors without awareness.

Explicit memory

Memory that can be consciously recalled and verbally reported.

Enriched environments

Conditions that provide a variety of sensory experiences and cognitive stimulation.