Psychology Midterm Exam 1 - Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards for Psychology Midterm Exam 1

Amiable Skepticism

An approach to reasoning that combines openness and wariness, important for critical thinking.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate addressing whether psychological characteristics result from genetics (nature) or experiences (nurture).

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Positive Correlation

A relationship between two variables where both increase together.

Directionality Problem

In correlational studies, the challenge of determining which variable is the cause and which is the effect.

Convenience Sampling

A sampling method where participants are chosen based on their ease of accessibility, often used in psychological research.

Internal Validity

The degree to which the effects observed in an experiment are due to the independent variable and not confounds.

Measures of Central Tendency

Statistical measures such as mean, median, and mode that describe the typical value in a data set.

Inferential Statistics

Statistical methods used to draw conclusions about a population based on sample data.

Sampling Bias

Unintended differences between the sample and the population due to non-random sampling.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Dendrites

The parts of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-level cognitive functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for action and stress.

Genotype

An individual's genetic makeup, fixed at conception.

Phenotype

An individual's observable characteristics, which change throughout life.

Neural Plasticity

The brain's ability to change its structure and function over time.

Genetics

The study of how characteristics are passed on through inheritance.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure that mediates the effects of the central nervous system on the endocrine system.

Occipital Lobe

The brain area primarily responsible for vision.

Antagonist

A substance that interferes with or blocks the action of a neurotransmitter.

Complexity and Organization (of Frontal Lobe)

The key features of the frontal lobe that contribute to human intelligence, rather than size alone.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the autonomic nervous system that activates bodily responses to stress (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate).

Absolute Refractory Period

No action potential can be triggered.

Relative Refractory Period

Action potential can be triggered with a stronger-than-usual stimulus.

Action Potential

Sodium ions rush into the neuron and potassium ions rush out of the neuron.

Action Potential Trigger

Sodium ions rush into the cell, making the membrane potential become more positive until it reaches threshold.

Circadian Rhythm

Biological clocks controlling hormone levels, temperature, and the sleep cycle.

Transduction (Visual System)

The conversion of light energy into neural signals by the retina.

Fovea

Specialized for processing fine detail and color vision.

Shape Constancy

Perceiving an object as having the same shape, even when viewed from different angles.

Rods

More sensitive to light and enable vision in dim lighting.

Cones

Responsible for color vision and function best in bright light.

Texture Gradient

Example of monocular depth cue.

Sensory Adaptation

The process that explains why you stop noticing a watch on your wrist after wearing it for some time.

Temporal Coding (Increased Frequency)

Neurons firing faster.

Temporal Coding (Increased Amplitude)

More neurons firing.

Transduction (Ear)

Occurs when the basilar membrane vibrates the hair cells.

psychological science

the study, through research, of mind, brain, and behavior

mind

is mental activity

includes memories, thoughts, feelings, and perceptual experiences (sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and touches)

behavior

the totality of observable human (or animal) actions

critical thinking

systematically questioning and evaluating information using well-supported evidence

looks for holes in evidence, and identifies biases and assumptions in reasoning.

confirmation bias

individuals are inclined to overweigh evidence that supports their beliefs and tend to downplay evidence that does not match what they believe. selective sampling of information