Exam 1: Study Guide - Introduction to Psychology

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts, research methods, biological psychology, sleep stages, and psychoactive drugs from the Exam 1 study guide.

Wilhelm Wundt

The founder of psychology, establishing the discipline in 1879.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology founded by Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener.

Functionalism

A school of psychology founded by William James.

Psychoanalysis

A school of psychology founded by Sigmund Freud.

Behaviorism

A school of psychology founded by John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.

Humanism

A school of psychology founded by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

Cognitivism

A school of psychology founded by Jean Piaget and Ulric Neisser.

Description (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology focused on observing and describing behavior.

Explanation (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology focused on understanding the reasons for behavior.

Prediction (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology focused on anticipating future behavior based on current knowledge.

Influence (Goal of Psychology)

The goal of psychology focused on using psychological knowledge to influence behavior positively.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction derived from theories.

Theory

A broad explanation that integrates multiple hypotheses and findings.

Science

A field of study based on empirical evidence that follows the scientific method and is subject to peer review and replication.

Pseudoscience

A field that lacks empirical support, does not adhere to the scientific method, and often relies on anecdotal evidence.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method conducted in real-world settings with high ecological validity, but limited by observer bias and lack of control over variables.

Case Study

A research method involving in-depth exploration of rare cases, limited by low generalizability and potential researcher bias.

Correlation

A research method that identifies relationships between variables but does not imply causation.

Experiment

A research method with high control that establishes cause-and-effect relationships, though it may lack ecological validity and raise ethical concerns.

Experimental Group

Participants in a study who receive the treatment or intervention.

Control Group

Participants who do not receive the treatment and are used for comparison.

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated by the researcher in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Placebo

An inert treatment used as a control in experimental research.

Blind Experiment

An experimental procedure in which participants do not know which group they are assigned to.

Double-Blind Experiment

An experimental procedure in which both participants and researchers are unaware of group assignments.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical index ranging from $-1$ to $+1$, where a value close to $+1$ indicates a strong positive correlation, close to $-1$ indicates a strong negative correlation, and around $0$ suggests no correlation.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

A brain imaging technique that measures brain activity through glucose metabolism.

CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography)

A brain imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed images of brain structures.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A technique that records electrical activity in the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique that uses magnetic fields to produce detailed images of brain structures.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Dendrites

Parts of a neuron that receive incoming signals.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron.

Axon

The part of a neuron that transmits electrical signals away from the cell body.

Terminal Buttons

End structures of an axon that release neurotransmitters.

Glial Cells

Supporting cells that support neurons, maintain homeostasis, and form myelin.

Action Potential

A rapid change in electrical charge traveling down the axon; it involves resting potential, depolarization ($\text{Na}^+$ influx), repolarization ($\text{K}^+$ efflux), and a return to resting potential.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, influencing mood, perception, and behavior.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released into the bloodstream that regulate various bodily functions and behaviors, including stress response and growth.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that activates the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and energy expenditure.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that promotes rest and digest functions, conserving energy and slowing heart rate.

Endocrine System

A slower-acting communication system that uses hormones to produce longer-lasting effects on bodily functions.

Forebrain

A major brain region that includes the cerebrum (higher cognitive functions) and limbic system (emotions).

Midbrain

A brain region involved in sensory processing and movement regulation.

Hindbrain

A brain region that controls basic life functions such as heart rate and breathing via structures like the medulla and cerebellum.

Frontal Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for executive functions, decision-making, and motor control.

Parietal Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for sensory perception and spatial orientation.

Temporal Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for auditory processing and memory.

Occipital Lobe

The cerebral lobe responsible for visual processing.

Left Hemisphere

The cerebral hemisphere associated with language and analytical tasks.

Right Hemisphere

The cerebral hemisphere associated with spatial abilities and creativity.

Circadian Rhythms

The body's internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles and other physiological processes over a 24-hour period.

Stage 1 Sleep

Light sleep characterized by alpha waves transitioning to theta waves.

Stage 2 Sleep

Deeper sleep featuring theta waves with sleep spindles and K-complexes.

Stage 3 Sleep

Deep sleep (slow-wave sleep) characterized predominantly by delta waves.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, dreaming, and brain activity similar to wakefulness.

Sleepwalking

A sleep disorder characterized by engaging in activities while in a state of sleep, often unaware of actions.

Narcolepsy

A sleep disorder marked by sudden and uncontrollable sleep episodes during the day.

Insomnia

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Sleep Terrors

A sleep disorder characterized by episodes of intense fear and panic during sleep, often with no memory of the event.

Tolerance

A decreased response to a drug after repeated use.

Withdrawal

Symptoms experienced when reducing or stopping drug use.

Physiological Dependence

The body's adaptation to a drug that requires its presence to function normally.

Psychological Dependence

An emotional or mental attachment to a drug that leads to cravings.

Stimulants

A major category of drugs that increase alertness and energy (e.g., caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines).

Depressants

A major category of drugs that decrease neural activity (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines).