Introductory Psychology 111 Exam Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics, terms, theories, and research methods listed in Dr. Huss's review sheet for Chapters 1, 2, and 9.

Introductory Psychology 111

The course taught by Dr. Huss covering Chapters 1, 2, and 9.

Psychology

The study of mind and behavior, encompassing historical and contemporary perspectives, historical development, and various subfields.

Theory

A broad explanation or principle distinguished from a hypothesis within the scientific method.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction derived from a theory in the scientific method.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method in psychology involving observing subjects in their natural environment without intervention.

Case Study

An in-depth research method focusing on a single individual or group.

Surveys

A research method used to collect self-reported data from a group of participants.

Correlational Research

A research method that examines the relationship or association between two or more variables without experimental manipulation.

Experiments

A research method that manipulates variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the independent variable or treatment being tested.

Control Group

The baseline group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Independent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

True Experiment

An experimental design characterized by random assignment and full control over independent variables, distinguished from a quasi experiment.

Quasi Experiment

A research design that lacks random assignment, distinguishing it from a true experiment.

Random Assignment

The procedure of assigning participants to experimental or control conditions purely by chance.

Random Selection

The process of selecting participants from a population so every individual has an equal chance of being included.

Neurons

Brain cells made up of various specialized parts that transmit biological signals.

Action Potential

The neural impulse or electrical signal involved in the process of neurons firing.

Lobes of the Cerebral Cortex

The major structural divisions of the cerebral cortex responsible for specialized brain functions.

Subcortical Structures

Major functional brain structures located beneath the cerebral cortex.

Endocrine Glands

Glands that secrete hormones affecting behavior and physical functioning, operating differently from the nervous system.

Plasticity

The brain's capacity to adapt and alter its structure and function.

Developmental Psychology

The branch of psychology concerned with human growth and change across major developmental stages.

Neonatal Reflexes

Involuntary, automatic behaviors present in newborn infants during early development.

Harlow's Research

Studies conducted with infant monkeys that explored the development of attachment.

Piaget's Stage Theory

A theory describing cognitive development through a series of stages from infancy to adulthood.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Reasoning

A framework outlining stages of moral development, which has known limitations and contrasts with feminine views of morality.

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory

A stage theory detailing social and psychological development from childhood to adolescence.