Foundations Of Psychology

These flashcards cover key concepts found in the 'Foundations of Psychology' lecture notes, including influences, perspectives, methods, and various psychological terms.

What are the three major influences in psychology according to the foundations of psychology?

Biological influences, psychological influences, and social-cultural influences.

What are the perspectives in psychology mentioned in the lecture notes?

Neuroscience, Evolutionary psychology, Behavior genetics, Psychodynamic, and Sociocultural perspectives.

What is the key difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?

Psychologists typically hold a PhD and cannot prescribe medication, while psychiatrists have an MD and can prescribe medication.

What is hindsight bias?

The tendency to believe that one would have predicted an event after it has already happened.

What is the scientific attitude as described in the notes?

Curiosity, skepticism, and humility.

What does correlation not imply?

Correlation does not imply causation.

What is operant conditioning?

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

How are experiments designed to determine cause and effect?

By manipulating factors such as having an experimental group and a control group, often using placebo.

What is the difference between the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is the outcome being measured.

What is circadian rhythm?

The 24-hour biological clock that regulates sleep and other physiological processes.

What are the stages of sleep mentioned in the lecture?

REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement).

What does the term 'teratogens' refer to?

Substances that can cause developmental malformations (birth defects) during prenatal development.

What is attachment theory as mentioned in the lecture?

A psychological model explaining how the parent-child bond influences social and emotional development.

What is the role of oxytocin in social relationships?

Oxytocin is involved in promoting a sense of calm and comfort in relationships.

What are the different attachment styles outlined in the lecture?

Secure attachment, anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, and disorganized attachment.

What is the definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restrictive patterns of behavior.

What are the stages of cognitive development according to Jean Piaget?

Sensory motor stage, Preoperational stage, Concrete operational stage, and Formal operational stage.

What role do mirror neurons play according to the lecture?

Mirror neurons are believed to be involved in empathy, as they enable the brain to mirror the actions it observes.

What is the function of neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

What is the difference between nativism and empiricism?

Nativism is the idea that certain kinds of knowledge are inborn, while empiricism posits that knowledge is acquired through experience.

What was the focus of behaviorism?

Behaviorism emphasizes the study of observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes.