IB Psych exam

What is localization of function?

The idea that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors or functions (e.g., memory in the hippocampus).

Study for localization of function

HM - Milner (1957) showed hippocampus is critical for memory formation.

What is neuroplasticity?

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

Study for neuroplasticity?

Maguire et al. (2000) – London taxi drivers had larger posterior hippocampi.

What neurotransmitter is linked to depression?

Low levels of serotonin.

Study on neurotransmitters and behavior?

Caspi et al. (2003) – 5-HTT gene related to serotonin and depression vulnerability.

What is schema theory?

Theory that mental frameworks/connections help organize and interpret information.

Study for schema theory?

Bartlett (1932) – "War of the Ghosts" showed memory distortion based on cultural schemas.

What is reconstructive memory?

The idea that memory is not an exact replica but reconstructed, often inaccurately.

Study for reconstructive memory?

Loftus & Palmer (1974) – Car crash speed estimates affected by wording.

What is the dual processing model?

Theory that there are two systems of thinking: System 1 (fast, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, analytical).

What is Social Identity Theory?

People define themselves based on group membership; in-groups vs. out-groups.

Study for Social Identity Theory?

Tajfel et al. (1971) – Boys favored their in-group even without meaningful group difference.

What is Social Cognitive Theory?

Learning occurs by observing others and imitating behavior.

Study for Social Cognitive Theory?

Bandura et al. (1961) – Bobo doll study showed children imitated aggressive behavior.

What are cultural dimensions?

Values and norms that vary across cultures (e.g., individualism vs collectivism).

Study for cultural dimensions?

Hofstede (1980) – Developed theory of cultural dimensions through IBM study.

What is the General Adaptation Syndrome?

Selye's model of stress response: alarm, resistance, exhaustion.

Study linking stress to illness?

Kiecolt-Glaser et al. (1984) – Medical students had lower immune function during exams.

What are two types of coping?

Problem-focused (changing the stressor) and emotion-focused (managing emotional response).

Study on social support and stress?

Taylor et al. (2000) – Women use "tend and befriend" strategy under stress, involving social support.

What is the Health Belief Model?

A model suggesting that health behavior depends on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers.

What is the Theory of Planned Behavior?

Health behavior is influenced by intentions, which are shaped by attitudes, norms, and perceived control.

Study of effective health promotion?

QUITLINE (anti-smoking) – showed increased quitting rates through support and follow-ups.

What factors influence health behavior?

Cultural beliefs, SES, media exposure, peer influence, education.

What is the biopsychosocial model?

An integrative approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors in addiction.

Biological factor in addiction?

Dopamine reward system – drugs stimulate pleasure pathways.

Cognitive factor in substance abuse?

Expectancy theory – beliefs about drug effects influence use.

Sociocultural factor in substance abuse?

Peer pressure, cultural norms, modeling from family or media.

Example of a prevention strategy?

Community-based programs like needle exchanges or school-based education (e.g., D.A.R.E.).

What is the role of hormones in behavior?

Hormones like cortisol, oxytocin, and adrenaline influence behavior by regulating stress, bonding, and arousal.

Study for hormones and behavior?

Newcomer et al. (1999) – High cortisol levels impaired verbal declarative memory.

What is the role of genetics in behavior?

Genes influence predispositions, especially in mental health and temperament.

Study for genetics and behavior?

Bouchard et al. (1990) – Twin study showed genetic influence on IQ, personality.

What is a schema?

A mental structure that organizes knowledge and guides information processing.

What is confirmation bias?

Tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions.

What is cognitive dissonance?

Discomfort felt when behavior and beliefs conflict, leading to changes in attitude or justification.

What is stereotype threat?

When individuals feel at risk of conforming to negative stereotypes about their social group.

Study for stereotype threat?

Steele & Aronson (1995) – Black students performed worse when race was emphasized before a test.

What is conformity?

Adjusting behaviors or beliefs to match group norms.

Study for conformity?

Asch (1951) – Line experiment showed people conformed to wrong answers to fit in with group.

What is the difference between emic and etic research?

Emic: culturally specific; Etic: cross-cultural comparison using universal criteria.

Evaluation of the biological approach?

+ Scientific and replicable methods; – Often reductionist and limited ecological validity.

Evaluation of the cognitive approach?

+ Useful models and practical applications; – May ignore emotion and social factors.

Evaluation of the sociocultural approach?

+ Emphasizes cultural influence; – May lack generalizability due to cultural bias.

What is cortisol?

A hormone released in response to stress; helps regulate metabolism, memory, and immune responses.

Negative effects of chronic cortisol?

Weakened immune system, memory impairment, and increased risk of illness.

What is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)?

A technique involving focused attention and meditation to reduce stress.

Study for MBSR?

Kabat-Zinn et al. – Participants in MBSR programs showed reduced anxiety and better coping.

What is social support?

Perceived comfort, care, and assistance received from others; buffers effects of stress.

What is perceived control?

Belief that one can influence their own outcomes; linked to better health and less stress.

What is the difference between acute and chronic stress?

Acute: short-term response to a specific event; Chronic: long-term, continuous stress.

What is health behavior?

Any action taken to maintain or improve health or prevent illness (e.g., diet, exercise, screening).

Study for Theory of Planned Behavior?

Ajzen (1991) – Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence intention.

What is addiction?

A state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite harmful consequences.

What is expectancy theory?

The belief that the expected effects of a substance influence the likelihood of using it.

What is harm reduction?

A public health strategy to minimize negative consequences of risky behaviors (e.g., safe injection sites).

Study on community health programs?

Farmer et al. – Community-based TB programs improved adherence and outcomes in rural Haiti.

What is a protective factor?

A factor that reduces the risk of developing addiction (e.g., strong family support, good coping skills).