Psychology Study Notes

A set of flashcards covering key concepts from neural impulses to sensation and social cognition, useful for study and review.

Neural Impulse Transmission

The process through which nerve impulses travel along the axon, involving electrical signals and neurotransmitter communication between cells.

Myelin Sheath

A protective covering that surrounds the axon to speed up neural impulses; degeneration slows down neuron communication.

Bottom-Up Processing

A perception construction method that builds understanding from sensory data and is characterized as a foundation-first approach.

Top-Down Processing

A perception method that utilizes prior knowledge and experience to recognize objects or events.

Absolute Threshold

The smallest level of stimulus that can be detected 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold (Just Noticeable Difference)

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli which is noticed 50% of the time.

Attribution Theory

A social cognition theory that explains how individuals infer the causes of their own and others' behavior.

Dispositional Attribution

Attribution of behavior to personal traits or factors.

Situational Attribution

Attribution of behavior to external circumstances.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate personal causes and underestimate situational causes for others’ behavior.

Self-Serving Bias

A bias where success is attributed to personal factors, while failures are blamed on situational factors.

Foot-in-the-Door Technique

A compliance technique where agreement to a small request increases the likelihood of agreeing to a larger request later.

Low-Ball Technique

A compliance technique that involves getting commitment to an attractive offer, then revealing hidden or less attractive terms afterward.