Psychology Flashcards: Research Methods, Learning Theories, and Motivation

Theory

A broad explanation for why or how things happen.

Case Study

Deep study of one person or a small group; good for rare cases.

Survey

Collects information from many people quickly.

Correlation vs. Causation

Related variables don't prove one causes the other; shows a relationship but not cause-and-effect.

Correlation

Shows a relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

Both variables increase or decrease together.

Negative Correlation

One variable increases while the other decreases.

Experimental Research

The only method showing cause and effect.

Independent Variable

The factor the researcher changes to test its effect; what the researcher changes (the cause).

Dependent Variable

The outcome measured to see if it changes from the independent variable; what's measured (the effect).

Control Group

Receives no treatment; used for comparison.

Double-Blind Study

Neither researchers nor participants know group assignments, reducing bias.

Random Sampling

Everyone in a population has an equal chance to be chosen.

Behavioral Theory

Personality develops from rewards/punishments.

Behaviorism (John Watson)

Psychology should study observable behavior, not thoughts or feelings.

Learning

A lasting change in behavior or understanding due to experience.

Classical Conditioning

Learning by association (Pavlov's dogs).

Conditioned Stimulus

A learned signal that triggers a response (e.g., bell causes dog to salivate).

Unconditioned Stimulus

Something that naturally causes a response (food → salivation/drool).

Conditioned Response

The learned reaction (salivating to the bell).

Operant Conditioning

Learning through rewards and punishments.

Reinforcement

Increases behavior.

Punishment

Decreases behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Adding something pleasant to increase behavior (praise, rewards).

Negative Reinforcement

Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior (seatbelt beeping stops).

Phrenology

Outdated idea linking skull bumps to personality traits.

Humanistic Theory (Carl Rogers & Abraham Maslow)

People are naturally good and capable of growth.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Physiological → safety → love/belonging → esteem → self-actualization.

Physiological Needs

Basic life needs like food, water, shelter.

Self-Actualization

Reaching your full potential and finding meaning or purpose.

Internal Locus of Control

Believing your actions shape your success.

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something for personal satisfaction.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something for rewards or to avoid punishment.

Anorexia Nervosa

Refusal to eat and distorted body image.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bingeing followed by purging.

Bisexuality

Attraction to both men and women.