psych 3 cram

Concept

Mental category used to group objects, events, or ideas with common properties

Cognition

Mental activity involved in thinking, understanding, and processing information

Algorithm

Step-by-step procedure for solving a problem that guarantees a solution

Heuristic

Rule of thumb used to simplify problem solving

Mental Set

Tendency to use a strategy that worked before

Functional Fixedness

Inability to see new uses for an object beyond its usual function

Insight

Sudden realization of a solution to a problem

Intelligence

Ability to understand the world and adapt to challenges

g Factor

General intelligence (Spearman)

s Factor

Specific abilities in certain areas

Gardner’s Theory

Multiple intelligences (music, language, bodily, etc.)

Sternberg’s Theory

Analytical, creative, and practical intelligence

Convergent Thinking

Finding one correct answer

Divergent Thinking

Generating many possible solutions

IQ Formula

(Mental Age ÷ Chronological Age) × 100

Reliability

Consistency of test results

Validity

Degree to which a test measures what it is supposed to measure

Standardization

Giving a test to a large representative group

Norms

Average scores used for comparison

Heritability

Percentage of variation in a trait due to genetics (40–60% for IQ)

Twin Studies

Identical twins have more similar IQ scores than others

Adoption Studies

IQ more similar to biological parents than adoptive parents

Prelinguistic Stage

Early communication (crying, cooing, babbling)

Babbling

Repetitive sounds around 5–6 months

Holophrase

One word expressing a complete idea

Telegraphic Speech

Two-word sentences that follow grammar rules

Phoneme

Smallest unit of sound in a language

Morpheme

Smallest unit of meaning

Motivation

The process that initiates and directs behavior

Need

Biological or social deficiency

Drive

Psychological urge to satisfy a need

Incentive

External goal or reward

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something for enjoyment

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something for external rewards

Homeostasis

Maintaining internal balance

Emotion

State involving physiological, behavioral, and cognitive components

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates fight-or-flight response

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Calms the body

James-Lange Theory

Arousal comes before emotion

Cannon - Bard Theory

Arousal and emotion occur simultaneously

Schachter - Singer Theory

Emotion depends on arousal + cognitive label

Schema

Mental framework for organizing information

Assimilation

Adding new info to existing schema

Accommodation

Changing schema to fit new info

Sensorimotor Stage

Learning through senses and actions

Object Permanence

Understanding objects exist even when unseen

Preoperational Stage

Symbolic thinking and egocentrism

Zone of Proximal Development

Tasks a child can do with help

Scaffolding

Support that is gradually removed as learning improves

Id

Instinctual drives, operates on pleasure principle

Ego

Decision-making based on reality principle

Superego

Moral standards and conscience

Observational Learning

Learning by watching others

Reciprocal Determinism

Behavior, person, and environment influence each other

Self - efficacy

Belief in one’s ability to succeed

Openness

Willingness to try new things

Conscientiousness

Organization and responsibility

Extraversion

Sociability and outgoingness

Agreeableness

Kindness and cooperativeness

Neuroticism

Emotional instability