Texas Southern University Graduate Psychology Study Guide Practice Flashcards

A set of 100 question-and-answer flashcards covering psychology history, theories, methods, and disorders based on Texas Southern University lecture notes.

How did Plato's view on knowledge differ from Aristotle's?

Plato believed knowledge was innate (inborn), while Aristotle believed knowledge comes from experience and is learned over time.

What term did John Locke use to describe the mind as a 'blank slate' at birth?

Tabula rasa

Which philosopher believed people begin life with 'mental structures' that provide constraints on how they experience the world?

Immanuel Kant

Who proposed the idea that the human body is an 'animal machine' that can be understood scientifically?

Rene Descartes

What is the concept of Mind-Body Dualism?

The idea that the body and mind are two separate entities, where the mind is a thinking, non-extended thing and the body is an extended, non-thinking thing.

What is the definition of Monism according to the lecture notes?

The idea that humans are complicated physiological organisms and nothing more.

How does the text define Psychology?

The scientific study of the behavior of individuals and their mental processes.

What are the four primary goals of Psychology?

Describe, Predict, Explain, and Control.

Who is considered the 'Father of Psychology' and where did he found the first laboratory?

William Wundt founded the first formal laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, in $1879$.

What is the concept of Reductionism in early psychology?

The idea that consciousness could be broken down (reduced) to its basic elements without sacrificing any properties of the whole.

What is 'Introspection'?

The observation of one's own mental/emotional processes; self-analysis.

What theory focuses on the examination of the function of mental states in an organism's interactions with the environment?

Functionalism

Who is identified as the father of functional psychology?

William James

What are the three components of the mind in Freud's psychoanalytic theory and how do they interact?

The Ego governs between the pleasure principle of the Id and the strive for perfection of the Superego.

Who is the Father of Structuralism and what does this perspective study?

William Wundt; it is the study of the basic structural elements of consciousness.

Who is the 'Father of Behaviorism'?

John B. Watson

What does the Cognitive perspective of psychology focus on?

How mental processes influence behavior, specifically the process of acquiring knowledge through thought and experience.

Which perspective focuses on a person's view of themselves, choices, and free will?

Humanistic perspective

What is the background and authority of a Psychiatrist?

A doctor (medical school graduate) trained in the biomedical basis of psychological problems who can prescribe medicine.

How do Clinical psychologists differ from Psychiatrists regarding medication?

Clinical psychologists generally cannot prescribe medicine, except in NM, LA, and IL.

What is the focus of a Neuropsychologist?

Studies the structure and function of the brain as they relate to specific psychological processes and behaviors.

What education and training is required for a Counselor or Therapist?

A master's degree in psychology or counseling followed by licensing as an LCSW or LPC.

What is the primary limitation of a Case Study?

It may not be generalizable to other individuals or situations.

In direct observation, what is 'reactivity'?

The phenomenon where people behave differently due to the presence of a researcher.

What are the two main features of an Experiment?

A controlled study and participants randomly assigned to groups.

Define the Independent Variable and the Dependent Variable.

The Independent Variable is what is being manipulated; the Dependent Variable measures the effect of that manipulation.

What is an A-B-A Withdrawal Design?

A three-phase single-subject design consisting of no-intervention baseline (A), an intervention phase (B), and a no-intervention withdrawal phase (A).

What p-value is required for an experiment to be considered statistically significant?

Typically a $P$-Value equal to or less than $0.01$, $0.05$, or $0.1$.

What is a 'Longitudinal design' in correlational studies?

A design where data is gathered for the same subjects repeatedly over a period of time.

What is the range of the correlation coefficient?

$-1.00$ to $+1.00$

Why does a high strength of correlation not imply causation?

A high correlation simply means two variables are related systematically; causation means one variable causes the other.

How is the Mean calculated and what is it used for?

It is the average of a set of numbers and is the most commonly used measure of central tendency.

In a Normal Distribution, how do the Mean, Median, and Mode relate?

In a normal distribution, Mean = Mode = Median.

What defines a 'Positive skew' in a distribution?

When the long tail is on the positive side of the peak, meaning most values are lower and the mean is lower.

What is the difference between Inter-rater and Test-retest reliability?

Inter-rater measures similarity between different raters; Test-retest measures consistency of results when giving the same test to the same individuals on two occasions.

What is a 'Confound' in research?

An extraneous variable that co-varies with the independent variable and provides an alternate explanation of the results.

Define 'Face validity'.

The extent to which a test is subjectively viewed as 'looking like' it covers the concept it purports to measure.

What is the difference between Internal and External validity?

Internal validity deals with the quality within the study (avoiding confounds), while External validity deals with how well results generalize to other people or situations.

What are the rights of children in research regarding consent?

A parent or guardian must provide informed consent, and the investigator should also seek 'assent' (the child's approval).

What is a 'dual relationship' in psychology?

When a psychologist is in a professional role with a person and simultaneously in another role with that same person or someone closely associated with them.

What act passed by Congress in 1996 guides privacy rules for health insurance and psychologists?

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

What is Section 2 of the DSM-V?

An outline of the categorical diagnoses.

What are the four basic standards for identifying abnormal behavior?

Deviance, Dysfunction, Distress, and Danger.

How do twin studies help assess the contribution of biological factors to disorders?

By comparing monozygotic twins ($100.00$% genes in common) and dizygotic twins ($50.00$% genes in common) to see if concordance rates differ.

What are the three components of the mind according to Psychodynamic Theory?

The Id (unconscious wishes), the Ego (coping/defense mechanisms), and the Superego (the conscience).

Describe the defense mechanism of 'Reaction formation'.

Transforming unacceptable wishes into their opposite.

What is 'Sublimation'?

Redirecting unacceptable impulses to socially desirable behavior.

Define 'Psychic determinism' and 'Unconscious motivation'.

Psychic determinism is the idea that mental life is lawful and motives connect life events; Unconscious motivation is the idea that mental life operates outside of awareness.

What are the five Psychosexual Stages of Development?

Oral, Anal, Phallic, Latency, and Genital.

What is 'Fixation' according to Freud?

Stagnation at a psychosexual stage due to excessive gratification or deprivation.

What three elements comprise Beck's 'Cognitive Triad'?

Negative views of themselves, the world, and their future.

Define 'Self-actualization' in Humanistic theory.

The fulfillment of one's potential and achieving one's full potential.

What is the Diathesis-Stress Model?

The idea that combinations of diathesis (individual vulnerability) and environmental stressors cause abnormal behavior.

List the Personality Disorders in Cluster A (Odd/Eccentric).

Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal.

What are the characteristics of Antisocial Personality Disorder?

Irresponsible, deceitful behavior, poor regard for rights of others, lack of empathy/remorse, and violations of social norms.

Which personality disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self and an entitlement/lack of empathy?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

What characterizes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Chronic, uncontrollable, and pervasive low-level anxiety and worry for daily activities.

What is Agoraphobia?

Fear of open, public spaces or being unable to escape a public situation if incapacitated, especially by a panic attack.

How long must symptoms be present for a PTSD diagnosis?

At least one month following the traumatic event.

What is the difference between Depersonalization and Derealization?

Depersonalization is a state of feeling estranged from one's body; Derealization is feeling as if the world or surroundings are not real.

Define 'Obsessions' and 'Compulsions' in OCD.

Obsessions are uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts; compulsions are repetitive behaviors performed to counteract the distress of the obsession.

What are the 'Negative Symptoms' of Schizophrenia?

Flat affect, avolition (lack of motivation), apathy, social withdrawal, and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure).

Distinguish between Bipolar I and Bipolar II Disorder.

Bipolar I includes manic episodes and at least one major depressive episode; Bipolar II alternates between major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe).

What is Dysthymia?

A form of depression with low mood occurring for at least $2$ years, plus at least two other symptoms.

In Somatoform Disorders, what is 'Conversion Disorder'?

Symptoms in sensory/motor function suggestive of neurological conditions but without a physical basis.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

A disorder where separate personalities coexist in the same person; previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder.

Distinguish between Localized and Generalized amnesia.

Localized is failure to recall events shortly after a trauma; Generalized is failure to recall anything about one's prior life.

What are the three main parts of a Neuron and their functions?

Soma (stores energy), Dendrite (receives messages), and Axon (sends messages).

What is the role of the Myelin sheath?

Insulates axons so signals can travel quickly and properly.

List five excitatory neurotransmitters.

Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Glutamate, Acetylcholine, and Epinephrine.

What defines the 'Excitation threshold'?

The voltage difference necessary to destabilize a neuron, causing an action potential.

A shortage of which neurotransmitter causes Parkinson's disease?

Dopamine

Imbalance of which neurotransmitter is linked to OCD and depression?

Serotonin

How do Depressants like alcohol affect the brain?

They lower neurotransmission level by facilitating GABA and inhibiting glutamate.

What are the two main divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System?

Somatic Division (voluntary) and Autonomic Division (involuntary).

Which division of the nervous system gets the body ready for 'emergency action'?

Sympathetic nervous system

Who is the Father of Classical Conditioning?

Ivan Pavlov

Define Classical Conditioning using US, UR, NS, CS, and CR.

US -> UR; then US + NS -> UR; eventually CS -> CR.

What is Thorndike's Law of Effect?

Behaviors followed by punishment are weakened; behaviors followed by rewards are strengthened.

What is the difference between Negative Reinforcement and Positive Punishment?

Negative Reinforcement takes away something to increase behavior; Positive Punishment gives something to decrease behavior.

What is 'Shaping' in operant conditioning?

Obtaining desired behavior through reinforcing successive approximations (baby steps).

Compare Fixed Ratio and Variable Ratio reinforcement schedules.

Fixed Ratio reinforces after a fixed number of responses; Variable Ratio reinforces after an unpredictable number of responses.

Who developed 'Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy' (REBT)?

Albert Ellis (associated with Beck in the cognitive view).

What is Carl Rogers' primary requirement for a growth-promoting environment?

Genuineness (openness), acceptance (unconditional positive regard), and empathy.

What is the 'Skinner Box'?

An operant conditioning chamber where rats learn specific movements through reinforcement.

Who is the Father of Modern Psychiatry that developed 'Moral treatment'?

Philippe Pinel

Who invented the first practical intelligence test?

Alfred Binet

What is the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) formula?

Mental age divided by chronological age multiplied by $100$.

Contrast Crystallized Intelligence with Fluid Intelligence.

Crystallized is the ability to use learned knowledge (grows over time); Fluid is the ability to solve new problems and use logic (decreases after the 20s).

What are the scoring ranges for 'Superior' and 'Extremely Low' on IQ tests?

Superior is $120-129$; Extremely Low is below $70$.

How many clinical scales are in the MMPI and what is its purpose?

It has $10$ clinical scales used to differentiate between patients with issues and normal patients.

What are the age ranges for the WISC-V?

Ages $6$ to $16$ years and $11$ months.

What is the 'Bender Gestalt' test used for?

To evaluate visual-motor maturity, screen for developmental disorders, or assess neurological function/brain damage.

Describe the 'Draw-a-Person' (DAP) test.

A projective test where a child draws a man, woman, and themselves to measure cognitive development and intelligence.

What is 'Catharsis' in psychodynamic therapy?

The process of venting aggression to release or get rid of built-up emotional pressure.

Define 'Transference' in therapy.

When a client distorts the present with the therapist by allowing earlier relationships to manifest in the therapeutic process.

List Piaget's four stages of cognitive development in order.

Sensorimotor ($0-2$), Preoperations ($2-6$), Concrete Operations ($7-11$), and Formal Operations ($12+$).

What is the difference between 'Assimilation' and 'Accommodation'?

Assimilation is taking new information into existing schemas; Accommodation is altering existing schemas in light of new information.

What is Erikson's first stage of psychosocial development?

Trust vs. Mistrust ($0-1$ years), where infants learn to trust others to meet basic needs.

What are the two orientations within Kohlberg's Level 1 (Pre-Conventional) Moral Development?

$1$. Obedience and Punishment Orientation and $2$. Self-Interest Orientation.