Midterm Exam Study Guide

A set of flashcards based on the midterm exam study guide covering key concepts from APA guidelines, neuropsychology careers, and research paper writing.

What is bias-free language and why must authors use it?

Bias-free language is free of implied or irrelevant evaluation of groups. Authors must use affirming and inclusive language.

List all personal characteristics on the basis of which biased language is unacceptable.

Age, Disability, Gender, Participation in research, Racial or ethnic identity, Sexual orientation, Socioeconomic status (SES), Other personal factors (e.g., marital status, immigration status, religion).

What are the three keys to using inclusive language when writing about groups?

Do not rely on labels, be precise and sensitive, recognize participation.

What is person-first language?

Person-first language emphasizes the person rather than their condition, e.g., 'a person with paraplegia'.

What is identity-first language and why do some people prefer it?

Identity-first language focuses on the disability, allowing individuals to claim their identity, often as an expression of cultural pride.

What is the difference between 'gender' and 'sex' in APA writing?

Gender is a social construct related to cultural attitudes, while sex refers to biological assignment.

What is gender identity?

Gender identity describes a person's psychological sense of their gender.

What term should be used for sexual orientation and what terms should be avoided?

Use 'sexual orientation.' Avoid 'sexual preference,' 'sexual identity,' and 'sexual orientation identity.'

What is the definition of sexual orientation?

A part of individual identity that includes a person's attraction to another person and the resulting behavior/social affiliation.

What is the difference between race and ethnicity?

Race refers to physical differences considered socially significant; ethnicity refers to shared cultural characteristics like language and beliefs.

What does socioeconomic status (SES) encompass?

SES encompasses income, educational attainment, occupational prestige, and perceptions of social status.

How should SES be discussed in writing? Provide correct and incorrect examples.

Avoid broad terms. Incorrect: 'welfare mothers.' Correct: 'mothers who receive TANF benefits.'

What is the general purpose of punctuation?

Punctuation denotes a pause in thought, indicating different kinds and lengths of pauses.

Describe the three punctuation marks covered in APA Chapter 6 and their uses.

Comma: splits words or phrases; Colon: introduces lists or long quotations; Semicolon: separates independent clauses or complex lists.

What does 'down' style mean in APA Style?

Words are lowercase by default, unless there is specific guidance to capitalize.

List four things that are always capitalized in APA Style.

First word of a sentence, first word after a colon (if complete), proper nouns, names of racial and ethnic groups.

In title case, which words are capitalized?

First word, first word of a subtitle, first word after a colon, major words, words of four letters or more.

In sentence case, which words are capitalized?

First word of title, first word of subtitle, first word after a colon, nouns followed by numerals, proper nouns.

When do you use title case vs. sentence case in APA?

Title case for titles in text/paper headings; sentence case for reference list/titles in tables.

Define neuropsychology and applied/clinical neuropsychology.

Neuropsychology studies brain-behavior relationships; clinical neuropsychology applies assessment and intervention principles.

Where do neuropsychologists primarily work?

In clinical or academic settings like colleges, medical schools, and hospitals.

What degree is required for neuropsychology positions, and is licensure always needed?

A doctorate is required; licensure is not needed for research but is required for clinical positions.

How does one become a clinical neuropsychologist?

Enter an APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program with a neuropsychology track.

List career opportunities with a bachelor's degree in neuropsychology.

Social Science Research Assistant, Occupational Therapist Aide, Rehabilitation Counselor, Health Educator.

List career opportunities with a graduate degree in neuropsychology.

Experimental neuropsychologist, Clinical neuropsychologist.

What does 'academia' refer to and what careers does it include?

Academia refers to the higher education community, including faculty and administrative positions.

What are the primary settings for those working in academia?

Technical schools, community colleges, 4-year colleges, universities, professional psychology schools, medical schools.

How does setting affect core activities in academia?

Some focus on teaching (e.g., technical schools) while others prioritize research (e.g., universities).

What are the three core activities of those working in academia?

Teaching, Research, Professional Service.

What degrees are needed for different academic positions?

A master's degree is sufficient for community colleges; a PhD is usually needed for universities.

List and define all professor rank categories.

Adjunct: teach 1-2 courses; Research faculty: conduct research; Clinical faculty: train students in applied skills; Full-time faculty: various ranks including professors.

What is tenure and how is it earned?

Tenure is job security for faculty, earned after a yearly contract, based on research, teaching, and service.

What happens if a professor does not earn tenure by the deadline?

An additional year is given to find a position elsewhere.

List skills employers seek in a new employee.

Reading/writing skills, problem-solving skills, career-related experience, data analysis, computer skills, communication, psychology knowledge, self-management, adaptability.

What are the 10 characteristics that influence hiring decisions for new college graduates?

1. Major/degree, 2. Internship/work experience, 3. Interview skills, 4. College, 5. Community service, 6. GPA, 7. Personal appearance, 8. Computer skills, 9. Integrity/drive, 10. Passion.

What is the single most important characteristic influencing hiring decisions?

Major/degree (34% influence).

What is the first step in preparing for a job search?

Locate appropriate job openings and prepare a strong resume.

What are the two types of resumes and how do they differ?

Chronological: presents experiences in order; Functional: highlights skills and accomplishments.

What should you do about references before applying for jobs?

Create a list of references and ask for their permission before listing them.

What should a cover letter include?

It should explain why you are well suited for the position, concise, and outline who you are.

What is the most important tip for a job interview?

Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately.

What is a research paper, and what is it NOT?

A research paper engages sources for a unique perspective; it is NOT a book report or simple summary.

What is the role of primary and secondary sources?

They are the heart of the research paper, requiring engagement and interpretation.

What are the two genres of research papers and how do they differ?

Analytical: investigates without persuasion; Argumentative: introduces a thesis and persuades.

What makes a good thesis for an argumentative research paper?

It must be debatable and supported by primary and secondary sources.

What is the first step when assigned a research paper?

Understand the assignment thoroughly.

What are the two situations a student may face when choosing a topic?

Instructor provides a topic list or allows the student to choose a relevant topic.

What is brainstorming and how does it help with topic selection?

A timed session for jotting down ideas, helping identify strong topics.

Why is it important to think about your topic early in the semester?

Early thinking leads to early planning and relevant idea collection.

What does it mean that research topics are 'fluid'?

Topics may change as research progresses, shaped by discoveries.

Who should the audience of a research paper be?

An informed academic community, not just the instructor or the entire academic world.

Should you define basic field terms for your audience?

No, assume the audience is familiar with field concepts without defining well-known terms.

What are the key stages in the process of writing a research paper?

Researching, Outlining, Drafting, Revising.

Why should drafting never begin without a thesis statement or research question?

Without them, writing lacks purpose or direction.