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Behaviorist theory of language development

Suggests that children learn language through imitation, reinforcement, and conditioning.

Nativist theory of language development

Proposes that children are biologically equipped to learn language through an innate mechanism called the Language Acquisition Device (LAD).

Linguistic relativity

The hypothesis that one's language determines the nature of one's thoughts, leading to different worldviews based on language.

Steps for problem solving

Identify the problem, generate possible solutions, evaluate and choose a solution, implement the solution, review the results.

Bilingualism

The acquisition of two languages, impacting language processing speed and verbal fluency but enhancing attentional control and cognitive flexibility.

Heuristic

A guiding principle or 'rule of thumb' used to solve problems or make decisions quickly.

Trial and error

A problem-solving method involving trying possible solutions sequentially until one works, which can be time-consuming.

Functional fixedness

The tendency to see items only in their typical use, limiting problem-solving.

Mental set

Persistence in using past strategies for problem-solving, which can hinder new solutions.

Overload of choices

Feeling overwhelmed by too many options that lead to decision fatigue and less satisfaction.

Reliability

The consistency of a test, yielding similar scores across repeated administrations.

Validity

The test's ability to accurately measure what it was designed to measure.

Wechsler intelligence testing

Introduced tests for adults, included non-verbal reasoning, and used a normal distribution for scoring.

Cultural differences in intelligence

Intelligence tests vary across cultures, with some placing different values on skills.

Heredity of intelligence

Genetic factors that contribute to intelligence, supported by studies of twins and heritability estimates.

Reaction range

Genetically determined limits on IQ, where environmental factors determine an individual's IQ position.

Drive Theory

Suggests that internal states of tension motivate organisms to reduce tension, aiming for homeostasis.

Hormones in hunger regulation

Hormones like ghrelin, CCK, leptin, and insulin regulate hunger by signaling fullness and hunger.

Learned preferences for food

Food preferences shaped through classical conditioning, observational learning, and exposure to foods.

Parental investment theory

Proposes that the investing sex (usually females) is more selective in mate choice.

Biological psychology evidence for sexual orientation

Research indicates a genetic predisposition to homosexuality influenced by prenatal hormones.

Achievement

The need to master challenges and outperform others, measured by the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).

High need for achievement

Individuals tend to work harder, delay gratification, and achieve higher success.

Components of emotion

Cognitive (subjective experience), physiological (bodily arousal), and behavioral (expressive actions).

Amygdala's role in fear

The amygdala processes fear and conditioned fear responses.

Facial-feedback hypothesis

Suggests that mimicking facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Cultural differences in emotion

Cultures vary in emotional expression norms and specific emotional language.

Cannon-Bard theory

Emotion occurs when the thalamus sends simultaneous signals to the cortex and autonomic nervous system.

James-Lange theory

Proposes the conscious experience of emotion results from the perception of bodily arousal.

Schachter’s two-factor theory

Emotion depends on autonomic arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Attention and memory

Focusing awareness on specific stimuli aids in encoding and storing information.

Multitasking

Switching attention between tasks leads to reduced memory performance.

Elaboration in memory

Linking new information to existing knowledge enhances memory encoding.

Rehearsal

Repetitively verbalizing or thinking about information to maintain it in memory.

Working memory

A modular system for temporary storage and manipulation of information.

Retrieval cues

Stimuli that assist in accessing memories by recreating the encoding context.

False memories

Inaccurate recollections, avoided by verifying sources and being aware of suggestive questioning.

Forgetting curve

Ebbinghaus's graph showing rapid forgetting after learning, followed by a gradual decline.

Anterograde amnesia

The inability to form new memories following a brain injury.

Consolidation

The process of converting new, unstable memories into stable, long-term memories.

Declarative memory

Memory system for factual information such as words, definitions, and concepts.

Nondeclarative memory

Memory system for actions, skills, conditioned responses, and emotional memories.

Episodic memory

Memory system for chronological events and personal experiences.

Prospective memory

Remembering to perform future actions.

Retrospective memory

Remembering past events or previously learned information.