ap psych midterm review

Biological approach in Psychology

Focuses on the physical and biological bases of behavior, examining brain structure, neurotransmitters, and genetics.

Evolutionary approach in Psychology

Analyzes how psychological processes can be explained by the theory of evolution, emphasizing natural selection and adaptation.

Behavior Genetics

Studies the influence of genetics and environment on behavior, exploring the nature vs. nurture debate.

Psychoanalytic approach

Examines the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences, focusing on defense mechanisms and interpersonal relationships.

Behavioral approach

Focuses on learned behaviors and conditioning, highlighting the roles of reinforcement and punishment.

Cognitive approach

Explores mental processes such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Humanistic approach

Emphasizes motivation, self-actualization, and personal growth, considering human potential.

Social-Cultural approach

Investigates how culture influences behavior, including norms, values, and beliefs.

Case Study

An in-depth examination of an individual or small group, highlighting unique traits or situations.

Survey

A questionnaire aimed at gathering opinions or intentions from a population.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing and recording behavior in natural settings without interference.

Experiment

Research method that manipulates variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Correlational Study

Examines the relationship between two variables, predicting behavior but not establishing causation.

Falsifiable in research

The principle that a hypothesis must be testable and capable of being proven false.

Operational Definition

A specific definition of a variable based on observable behaviors.

Replication

The ability to repeat an experiment and obtain similar results.

Statistical Significance

A statistical measure that indicates strong evidence against the null hypothesis, typically a p-value less than .05.

Informed Consent

Ensuring participants are fully aware of the research and agree to participate voluntarily.

Confounding Variable

A variable other than the independent variable that may affect the dependent variable.

Punishment in operant conditioning

Consequences that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement

Removing an aversive stimulus to increase desired behavior.

Token Economy

A system where individuals earn tokens for desired behaviors that can be exchanged for rewards.

Latent Learning

Learning that occurs but is not immediately reflected in behavior; it may be demonstrated later when a reward is introduced.

Learned Helplessness

Condition in which an individual feels powerless to change their situation after experiencing uncontrollable events.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum amount of stimulation required to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Difference Threshold

The smallest detectable difference between two stimuli that can be reliably detected.

Sensory Adaptation

The process by which sensitivity to a stimulus decreases over time with constant exposure.

Weber’s Law

The principle that the change needed to detect a difference is a constant proportion of the original stimulus.

Figure-Ground

The perception of objects (figures) against a background (ground), crucial in visual interpretation.

Selective Attention

The process of focusing on a particular object in the environment while ignoring distracting information.

Perceptual Constancy

The tendency to perceive objects as unchanging despite changes in sensory input.

Framing in psychology

The way information is presented to influence perception and decision-making.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired, creating an association.

Operant Conditioning

Learning in which behavior is controlled by consequences, such as rewards or punishments.

Cognitive Bias

A systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, affecting perceptions.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A measure of a person's intellectual abilities in relation to others, typically with values above 135 signifying giftedness.

Generativity in Erikson's Theory

The concern for establishing and guiding the next generation, usually associated with middle adulthood.

Identity vs. Role Confusion

A stage in adolescence where teens explore their personal identity and sense of self.