Dr. Wells’ Ultimate Cambridge AICE Psych CramGuide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the core studies in AICE Psychology, focusing on various approaches and methodologies.

Dement & Kleitman (1957)

Investigated the relationship between REM sleep and dreaming. Found that REM sleep is associated with vivid dreaming.

REM Sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, a stage of sleep characterized by quick bursts of eye movement and associated with vivid dreaming.

Ecological Validity

The degree to which findings from a study can be generalized to real-world settings.

Mundane Realism

The extent to which the experimental situation resembles the real-world events it aims to represent.

Hassett et al. (2008)

Explored sex differences in toy preferences among monkeys, suggesting biological influences.

Naturalistic Observation

A research method involving observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

Mindfulness

A mental practice focusing on being aware of the present moment, which research has shown can alter brain structure.

EEG Recordings

Electroencephalography recordings used to measure electrical activity in the brain during different sleep stages.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process in which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, leading to a conditioned response.

Theory of Mind

The ability to attribute mental states (like beliefs and feelings) to oneself and others; deficits in this area are seen in individuals with autism.

Bobo Doll Experiment

Bandura's study demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adults.

Positive Reinforcement

A behavioral training method where a desired behavior is encouraged through rewards.

Eyewitness Testimony

A person's recollection of events they have witnessed, often discussed in terms of its reliability.

Determinism

The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by preceding events or laws.

Research Bias

Any bias that occurs in research due to the influence of researchers' or participants' beliefs and values.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs when an individual observes the behavior of others being reinforced.

Cognitive Restructuring

A therapeutic process aimed at changing unhelpful thinking patterns.

Social Learning Theory

A theory proposing that behaviors are learned through observation and imitation of others.

Situational Determinism

The idea that behavior is determined by environmental factors rather than internal traits.

Field Experiment

A type of research conducted in a natural setting where variables can be manipulated.