Semester 1: Foundations of Psychology (PSY01C101) Exam Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Modules I, II, III, and IV, including major theories, historical figures, research methods, and biological psychology concepts from the lecture notes.

Attention

The cognitive and perceptual process of selectively concentrating on specific environmental stimuli while ignoring others; described as a process rather than a final product.

Focus vs. Margin

The split in the field of experience between stimuli perceived clearly at the center of consciousness (Focus) and those perceived dimly or vaguely around the edges (Margin/Fringe).

Span of Attention

The maximum number of separate objects or items that can be clearly grasped in a single, brief presentation, measured using a Tachistoscope.

Tachistoscope

An apparatus manufactured by Hamilton and first used by Whipple to measure the Span of Attention.

Miller's Magical Number

A concept proposed by George Miller (1956) stating the average span of attention varies strictly within the limit of $7 \pm 2$ items.

Fluctuation of Attention

The periodic wave of intensity passing in and out of attention even when stimulation stays completely constant.

Shifting of Attention

The voluntary or involuntary movement of focus from one distinct environmental stimulus to a competing one.

Set in Attention

A top-down mental framework or readiness to notice specific stimuli based on past habits, expectations, or desires.

Sustained Attention

Maintaining heightened concentration uninterrupted over an extended time frame.

Overt vs. Covert Attention

Overt involves physically gaze-focusing directly on an object, while covert is processing peripheral elements without moving the eyes.

Broadbent's Bottleneck Model (1958)

A strict early selection model where a selective filter allows only a single stimulus through for higher-level processing while blocking others entirely.

Treisman's Filter-Attenuation Model (1964)

A model stating that unattended stimuli are weakened (attenuated) rather than blocked, allowing personally relevant items like one's name to reach consciousness.

Deutsch & Deutsch Late Selection Model (1963)

A model where all incoming messages undergo complete unconscious semantic analysis, with selection happening right before working memory based on relevance.

Sensation

The simple absorption of physical energy by receptors and its translation into electrical nerve impulses.

Perception

An active process that takes raw sensory input, organizes it, and adds interpretation (Sensation + Meaning = Perception).

Absolute Threshold

The bare minimum stimulus intensity required for a sensory system to detect it exactly $50\%$ of the time.

Difference Threshold (JND)

The smallest physical change or difference in intensity between two stimuli required for an observer to note a distinction $50\%$ of the time.

Weber’s Law

States that the amount of physical change needed to achieve a JND is a constant, stable proportion of the original stimulus's intensity.

Gestalt Perceptual Laws

Principles founded by Wertheimer, Köhler, and Koffka arguing that the whole is different from and greater than the sum of its separate parts.

Law of Pragnanz (Minimum Principle)

The natural cognitive preference to organize the visual field into the simplest, most regular, and most symmetrical format possible.

Law of Common Fate

Viewing separate objects as a single entity if they move simultaneously in the exact same direction.

Phi-Phenomenon

An optical illusion discovered by Max Wertheimer (1912) where stationary lights flashing in rapid succession appear as a single moving light.

Retinal Disparity

A binocular depth cue caused by the horizontal $6.5\,cm$ distance between eyes creating two distinct images.

Accommodation

A physiological depth cue involving the physical contraction or relaxation of ciliary muscles modifying lens thickness.

Tabula Rasa

A Latin concept coined by John Locke meaning humans are born as a blank slate.

Structuralism

The earliest formal school of psychology, founded by Wundt and Titchener, which used Introspection to break down experience into basic sensory building blocks.

Functionalism

A school of thought led by William James focusing on the purposes of mental processes and how behavior helps humans adapt to environments.

Psychoanalysis

A framework founded by Sigmund Freud asserting that behavior is driven by the unconscious mind, hidden forces, and unresolved childhood traumas.

ABC Model

A behaviorist framework focusing on Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.

Humanism

Known as the 'Third Force', emphasizing free will, inherent goodness, and self-actualization, led by Maslow and Rogers.

Language Acquisition Device (LAD)

An innate mechanism identified by Noam Chomsky that allows for the development of language.

Id, Ego, and Superego

Freud's personality elements representing the pleasure principle (unconscious), reality principle (mediator), and morality principle (internalized rules).

Oedipus Complex

A psychosexual phenomenon occurring during the Phallic stage of Freud's developmental theory.

Basic vs. Applied Research

Basic focuses on theoretical extensions and abstract laws; Applied focuses on finding immediate solutions for real-life problems.

Correlational Study

Research testing the strength and direction of a relationship between variables without manipulation; does not prove causation.

Experimental Method

The gold standard for proving cause-and-effect by manipulating an Independent Variable ($IV$) to measure its effect on a Dependent Variable ($DV$).

Beta (\beta) Waves

EEG patterns with a frequency range of $13-24\,cps$ associated with alert waking thought and active problem-solving.

Delta (\Delta) Waves

EEG patterns with a frequency of less than $4\,cps$ associated with deep, slow-wave sleep cycles.

Circadian Rhythm

An internal $24$-hour biological clock regulated by light-dark cycles managing sleep, temperature, and hormones.

Muscle Atonia

A temporary paralysis of all voluntary muscles during REM sleep to prevent acting out dreams.

Manifest vs. Latent Content

Manifest is the literal events of a dream; Latent is the hidden, symbolic meaning requiring interpretation.

Dissociation Theory (Hilgard)

A theory of hypnosis stating consciousness splits into one stream communicating with the hypnotist and a subconscious 'Hidden Observer'.

Tolerance

The progressive drop in drug responsiveness resulting from ongoing substance use.

Physical vs. Psychological Dependence

Physical involves withdrawal illness upon cessation; Psychological involving intense mental and emotional cravings.