General Psychology Midterm Review

Flashcards covering key concepts, terms, and definitions from the General Psychology midterm review notes.

Who is considered the father of psychology and emphasized the study of consciousness?

Wilhelm Wundt

What psychological approach is associated with William James?

Functionalism

What is the primary focus of structuralism?

Breaking down mental processes into their most basic components.

Which term describes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts in psychology?

Gestalt Approach

What is Ivan Pavlov best known for?

His work on classical conditioning.

Who developed the theory of psychoanalysis?

Sigmund Freud

What does John B. Watson's work focus on in psychology?

Behaviorism and the study of observable behavior.

What is B.F. Skinner known for in psychology?

Operant conditioning.

What is the main advantage of using a survey in psychological research?

It can gather data from a large number of people.

Define the observer effect in psychological research.

Changes in a subject's behavior caused by the awareness of being observed.

What is a placebo?

A substance with no therapeutic effect used as a control in experiments.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse.

What role does dopamine play in the nervous system?

Involved in movement, emotion, cognition, and feelings of pleasure.

What is the function of the myelin sheath?

To insulate axons and increase the speed of neural impulses.

What are the two divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)?

Somatic Division and Autonomic Division.

What is the sympathetic nervous system responsible for?

Activating the 'fight or flight' response.

Describe the role of the medulla in the brain.

Controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

What does the term 'neuroplasticity' refer to?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

What is the difference between short-term memory and long-term memory?

Short-term memory lasts for 15-25 seconds, while long-term memory can last a lifetime.

What does the gate control theory explain?

The theory of how the nervous system controls the experience of pain.

What is the primary focus of cognitive psychology?

The study of mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

Define emotional intelligence.

The ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others.

Who is associated with the concept of observational learning?

Albert Bandura.