StudyGuide_Winter+2025

Decision Making

The process of making choices or reaching conclusions, particularly in situations of uncertainty.

Neural Mechanisms

The brain processes and structures that contribute to the decision-making process.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect and respond to sensory stimuli, transmitting signals to the brain.

Cross Over of Information

The process by which sensory information is transmitted to the opposite side of the brain for processing.

Depth Perception

The ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and judge distance, often aided by binocular cues.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors responsible for detecting pain.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulus intensity required for a person to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that explains how individuals discern between information-bearing patterns and random noise.

Conditioned Learning

A type of learning in which a neutral stimulus acquires the ability to evoke a response through association with a stimulus that already produces that response.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb that simplify decision-making.

Temporal Discounting

The devaluation of future rewards compared to immediate rewards.

Reward Prediction Error

The difference between the expected reward and the actual reward received, which influences future decision-making.

Neural Activity in Decision Making

The patterns of neuron firing in the brain that correlate with the processes of making choices.

Framing Effect

The influence of presentation of information on individuals' decisions.

Phantom Limbs

The sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached and functioning.

Psychophysics

The study of the relationship between physical stimuli and the sensations and perceptions they produce.

Binaural Cues

Sound localization cues that involve both ears, helping determine the direction of a sound.

Cochlear Membrane

A membrane in the cochlea that plays a key role in the sense of hearing, particularly sound frequency representation.

Animal Models

Non-human animals used in experiments to understand biological and psychological processes relevant to humans.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and the emotions of others.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting beliefs or when behavior contradicts beliefs.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behaviors are influenced by reinforcement or punishment.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one's preexisting beliefs.

Allostasis

The process of achieving stability through physiological change in response to stressors.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Sensory Adaptation

The diminished sensitivity to stimuli as a result of constant exposure to that stimulus.

Placebo Effect

The phenomenon wherein a patient experiences a clinical benefit from a treatment that has no therapeutic effect.

Behavioral Economics

A field that combines behavioral psychology and economics to understand why people make irrational decisions.

Implicit Bias

Attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

Decision Making

The process of making choices or reaching conclusions, particularly in situations of uncertainty.

Neural Mechanisms

The brain processes and structures that contribute to the decision-making process.

Sensory Receptors

Specialized cells that detect and respond to sensory stimuli, transmitting signals to the brain.

Cross Over of Information

The process by which sensory information is transmitted to the opposite side of the brain for processing.

Depth Perception

The ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and judge distance, often aided by binocular cues.

Nociceptors

Sensory receptors responsible for detecting pain.

Absolute Threshold

The minimum stimulus intensity required for a person to detect a stimulus 50% of the time.

Just Noticeable Difference (JND)

The smallest change in a stimulus that can be detected.

Signal Detection Theory

A theory that explains how individuals discern between information-bearing patterns and random noise.

Conditioned Learning

A type of learning in which a neutral stimulus acquires the ability to evoke a response through association with a stimulus that already produces that response.

Neuroscience

The scientific study of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Social Influence

The effect that people have on each other's beliefs, feelings, and behaviors.

Cognitive Bias

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

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

Self-Actualization

The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potential, considered as a drive or need.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that suggests people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modeling.

Stress Response

The body's reaction to a challenge or demand, involving physiological and psychological changes.

Memory Consolidation

The process of transforming short-term memories into long-term memories.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model that describes the dynamics of long-term interpersonal relationships.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to monitor, evaluate, and modify emotional reactions in a controlled manner.