Units 0-2

Regression Toward the Mean

• Extreme results usually move closer to average the next time.

• Ex: If you score 100% on one quiz (super high), your next quiz will probably be closer to your usual average, like 85%

Bottom-Up Processing

Using raw sensory info to build understanding.

Top-Down Processing

Using past knowledge and expectations to interpret what you see.

Statistical Significance

Difference between experimental results, to check if its based off of luck or actual real results

Assimilation

Fitting new info into an old folder.

Accommodation

Creating/changing a folder for new info.

Perceptual Sets

A readiness to see things in a certain way based on expectations.

Closure

Filling in gaps to see a whole picture.

Figure and Ground

Separating the main object from the background.

Proximity

Grouping things that are close together.

Similarity

Grouping things that look alike.

Inattentional Blindness

Missing something obvious when focused on something else.

Change Blindness

Not noticing when something changes in front of you.

Retinal Disparity

Each eye sees slightly different images; brain compares them to judge distance.

Convergence

Eyes move inward as objects get closer.

Binocular Cues

Visual cues that require two eyes.

Monocular Cues

Visual cues that require one eye.

Interposition

One object blocks another → it’s closer.

Perceptual Constancies

Seeing objects as the same even when they look different.

Relative Motion

Things closer move faster across your vision; far things move slower.

Prototypes

The 'best example' in a concept.

Mental Set

Sticking to old problem-solving strategies even if they don’t work.

Priming

Being unconsciously prepared to think or act a certain way.

Framing

How something is presented affects decisions.

Functional Fixedness

Only seeing objects in their usual use, can limit creative thinking

Explicit Memory

Memories you can consciously recall.

Episodic Memory

Personal events.

Semantic Memory

Facts and knowledge.

Implicit Memory

Memories you don’t think about—skills or habits.

Prospective Memory

Remembering to do something in the future.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Strengthening of brain connections when you practice/learn.

Multi-Store Model of Memory

Memory has 3 stores: sensory, short-term, long-term.

Sensory Memory

Very brief memory of senses. Echoic and Iconic Memory

Short-Term Memory

Small amount of info held briefly (about 7 items for 20–30 seconds).

Long-Term Memory

Stores unlimited info for a long time.

Automatic Processing

Things remembered without effort.

Effortful Processing

Requires practice and attention.

Forgetting Curve

We forget quickly at first, then slowly over time.

Encoding Failure

Info never got stored properly.

Interference

Old info blocks new or new info blocks old.

Inadequate Retrieval (Tip of the Tongue)

You know you know it, but can’t get it out.

Repression

Pushing painful memories out of awareness. Trauma blocks

Misinformation Effect

Memory gets changed by false info.

Constructive Memory

Memories are built, not perfect—details can be added.

IQ Testing

A score to measure intelligence (but can be unfair due to cultural bias).

Validity

Test measures what it’s supposed to.

Reliability

Test gives consistent results. A thermometer consistently measures the same temperature when placed in the same liquid.

Stereotype Threat

Fear of confirming a negative stereotype hurts performance.

Flynn Effect

IQ scores have risen over generations.

Achievement Tests

What you’ve learned.

Aptitude Tests

Potential to learn.

Fixed Mindset

Believing intelligence is set.

Growth Mindset

Believing intelligence can improve with effort.