Introduction to Psychology Study Guide for Test 1

These flashcards cover key concepts in psychology, including definitions, professionals in the field, psychological perspectives, and research methodologies.

What does it mean that psychology is empirically based?

Psychology relies on evidence gathered by careful observation, experimentation, or measurement.

What does pseudoscience refer to?

A collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method.

What is phrenology?

The study of the shape and size of the cranium as an indication of character and mental abilities.

What is the Barnum/Forer Effect?

People believe vague personality descriptions are unique to them, even though they could apply to anyone.

What is the principle of falsifiability?

The experiment can be proven to be false.

What is random assignment and why is it important?

Random assignment ensures there is no bias, increasing the validity of the experiment.

Who developed psychotherapy focusing on unconscious motives and conflicts?

Sigmund Freud.

What is the difference between experimental psychology and clinical psychology?

Experimental psychology generates knowledge through research, while clinical psychology applies that knowledge to help people.

What does the term 'psychotherapist' imply?

Refers to someone who provides talk therapy; it may be misleading as it does not specify their training or qualifications.

What is the learning perspective in psychology?

The idea that behavior is shaped by experience through processes such as conditioning and observation.

What is behaviorism?

A perspective focusing on studying observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings.

What is the psychodynamic/psychoanalytic perspective?

Focuses on how unconscious thoughts, feelings, and early experiences influence behavior.

What does the social cognitive perspective emphasize?

Behavior is influenced by the interaction between thoughts, environment, and actions.

What does the cognitive perspective study?

How people think, learn, remember, and solve problems.

What is an operational definition?

An explanation of a concept in a measurable and testable way.

What is the Hawthorne Effect?

The tendency for people to change their behavior because they know they are being observed.

What is confirmation bias?

The tendency to notice or remember information that supports our beliefs while ignoring contradictory evidence.

What is an IRB?

Institutional Review Board; it reviews research studies involving human participants to ensure they are ethical.

What is internal validity?

The accuracy within the study.

What is external validity?

The applicability of study results to the real world.

What are the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Independent Variable (IV): The variable changed by the researcher. Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured to observe the effect of the IV.

What is reliability in psychological testing?

The consistency or stability of a measurement.

What is validity in psychological testing?

Whether a test measures what it claims to measure.

What does a positive correlation imply?

As one variable increases, the other also increases.

What does a negative correlation imply?

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

What is the difference between a single-blind and double-blind experiment?

In a single-blind experiment, participants don't know their group; in a double-blind, neither participants nor researchers know.

What do nature and nurture refer to?

Nature refers to genetic factors; nurture refers to environmental influences.

What are the human chromosomes and their combinations for males and females?

Humans have 46 chromosomes; XX = Female, XY = Male.

What does epigenetics study?

How environmental factors can change gene expression without altering DNA.

What does natural selection entail?

Traits that increase survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.

What is the difference between identical (MZ) and fraternal (DZ) twins?

MZ twins share 100% of their genetic material; DZ twins share 50%.

What do neurotransmitters do?

They carry signals between neurons, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What is the function of the medulla?

It controls vital functions.

What is the primary motor cortex responsible for?

Controls voluntary movement.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

What regulates circadian rhythms?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus.

What part of the brain produces melatonin?

The pineal gland.

What is good sleep hygiene?

Habits that promote consistent, restorative sleep.

What is an IRB?

Institutional Review Board; it reviews research studies involving human participants to ensure they are ethical.

What is internal validity?

The accuracy within the study.

What is external validity?

The applicability of study results to the real world.

What are the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Independent Variable (IV): The variable changed by the researcher. Dependent Variable (DV): The variable measured to observe the effect of the IV.

What is reliability in psychological testing?

The consistency or stability of a measurement.

What is validity in psychological testing?

Whether a test measures what it claims to measure.

What does a positive correlation imply?

As one variable increases, the other also increases.

What does a negative correlation imply?

As one variable increases, the other decreases.

What is the difference between a single-blind and double-blind experiment?

In a single-blind experiment, participants don't know their group; in a double-blind, neither participants nor researchers know.

What do nature and nurture refer to?

Nature refers to genetic factors; nurture refers to environmental influences.

What are the human chromosomes and their combinations for males and females?

Humans have 46 chromosomes; XX = Female, XY = Male.

What does epigenetics study?

How environmental factors can change gene expression without altering DNA.

What does natural selection entail?

Traits that increase survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on.

What is the difference between identical (MZ) and fraternal (DZ) twins?

MZ twins share 100% of their genetic material; DZ twins share 50%.

What do neurotransmitters do?

They carry signals between neurons, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What is the function of the medulla?

It controls vital functions.

What is the primary function of the thalamus?

It acts as a sensory relay station, directing incoming sensory information (except smell) to appropriate brain regions.

What does the hypothalamus primarily regulate?

It regulates essential body functions like hunger, thirst, temperature, and is involved in emotion.

What is the primary role of the amygdala?

It processes emotions, especially fear and aggression.

What is the function of the hippocampus?

It is crucial for the formation of new long-term memories.

What is the primary function of the cerebellum?

It coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and motor learning.

What is the primary motor cortex responsible for?

Controls voluntary movement.

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain.

What is the cerebral cortex responsible for?

It is the outer layer of the cerebrum, responsible for higher cognitive functions, sensory processing, and voluntary actions.

What regulates circadian rhythms?

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus.

What part of the brain produces melatonin?

The pineal gland.

What is good sleep hygiene?

Habits that promote consistent, restorative sleep.

How long is the sleep cycle?

90 minutes

What does Freud say about dreams? 

According to Freud's dream theory, we repress desires and thoughts that manifest in dreams.