Introduction to Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and theories from the introduction to psychology, focusing on various perspectives and methodologies within the field.

What is Psychology?

is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

What is the empirical method?

uses systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation to reach conclusions based on evidence.

Who proposed Psychoanalytic Theory?

Sigmund Freud

What does Behaviorism focus on?

observable behavior and how it is shaped by learning, rewards, and punishments.

What does Humanism emphasize?

free will, personal growth, self-esteem, and self-actualization.

Cognitive Perspective

explains behavior through mental processes such as thinking, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Biopsychology

how biology (brain, neurotransmitters, genetics) influences behavior.

What is Evolutionary Psychology concerned with?

examines how behaviors evolved because they helped with survival and reproduction.

What is the difference between Clinical and Counseling Psychology?

Clinical psychology treats serious mental disorders, while Counseling psychology helps with life stress, relationships, and adjustment issues.

Define Theory in psychology.

is a broad explanation based on evidence.

Define Hypothesis in psychology.

a specific, testable prediction derived from a Theory.

What does Falsifiability in a hypothesis mean?

A hypothesis must be capable of being proven wrong; otherwise, it cannot be scientifically tested.

What is Descriptive Research?

describes behavior without determining cause.

What is a Case Study?

an in-depth study of one person or small group, which cannot be generalized to everyone.

What does Naturalistic Observation involve?

involves observing behavior in a natural environment.

What is Correlational Research?

examines relationships between variables, showing strength and direction.

What is Positive Correlation?

occurs when both variables increase or decrease together.

What is Negative Correlation?

occurs when one variable increases while the other decreases.

What does Zero Correlation mean?

indicates no relationship between variables.

What is the range of a Correlation Coefficient?

The Correlation Coefficient (r) ranges from –1.00 to +1.00.

Does correlation imply causation?

No, correlation does not imply causation.

What is a Confounding Variable?

an outside variable that affects results, making conclusions unclear.

What is Experimental Research?

allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect.

What is the difference between the Experimental group and Control group?

The Experimental group receives treatment, while the Control group does not.

What are Independent Variable (IV) and Dependent Variable (DV)?

Independent Variable (IV) is what is manipulated; Dependent Variable (DV) is what is measured.

What is an Operational Definition?

is a clear description of how variables are measured or manipulated.

What is Informed Consent?

requires participants to understand the purpose, risks, and their right to withdraw from the study.

What is Attribution in social psychology?

refers to the explanations we give for behavior.

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error?

is the tendency to overestimate dispositional causes for others' behavior.

What is Self-Serving Bias?

is when individuals attribute their successes to themselves and failures to external causes.

What are Social Norms?

are rules for acceptable behavior.

What was the Zimbardo Prison Experiment?

showed how social roles and power can lead to abusive behavior.

What is Cognitive Dissonance?

is the discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors.

What is Groupthink?

when the desire for harmony overrides critical thinking.

What is the Asch Study?

demonstrated normative social influence.

What was the Milgram Study’s finding regarding obedience?

65% of participants delivered the full 450 volts.