End of Chapter 1 beginging of chapter 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the notes.

Behaviorism

A psychology approach that emphasizes observable behavior over unobservable mental states (mind, feelings) as the basis for scientific study.

Observable behavior

Actions or responses that can be seen and measured, used as data in psychology.

Mind

Mental processes (thinking, feeling) that behaviorists argue are not directly observable and thus not the focus of their science.

Stressor

A major life event or challenge that can trigger psychological or physiological responses.

Serotonin gene activation

A note-based idea that stress may activate a serotonin-related gene in response to life experiences.

Natural selection

The process by which populations adapt, reproduce, and change due to differential survival in a given environment.

Mutation

Random changes in DNA that can introduce new traits.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that stores genetic information guiding development and traits.

Evolution

A process where populations change over generations through variation, inheritance, and natural selection.

Fitness

Reproductive advantage or success of a trait variant within a population.

Survival of the fittest

A phrase describing how fitter variants leave more offspring, shaping the population over generations.

Species

A group of interbreeding organisms that can produce fertile offspring and are reproductively isolated from other groups.

Ecological niche

The role of a species in its environment, including the resources it uses and its habitat, influencing survival and reproduction.

Observational study

Research that collects data passively without manipulating variables.

Experimental study

Research that deliberately manipulates variables to observe causal effects.