AP Psych S1 Self Study

Central Route to Persuasion

Convincing others by using facts and merit.

Peripheral Route to Persuasion

Convincing others by using the trustworthiness, emotions, and attractiveness of the speaker.

Scaffolding

Breaking down new information to make it easier to understand.

Generalization

The tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli.

Constancy

The tendency to perceive a familiar object as having a constant shape, size, and brightness despite changes.

Alcohol

A depressant; excessive alcohol can disrupt the hippocampus.

Circadian Rhythm

Physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences in a 24-hour span, influenced by light and dark.

Interposition

A perception where one object is seen as closer because it is in front of another.

Retinal Disparity

A visual perception in which the left and right eyes see slightly different images of a single object.

Balance

Influenced by the semicircular canals in the inner ear.

Retroactive Interference

When new information hinders the recall of old information.

Proactive Interference

When old information hinders the recall of new information.

Lack of encoding

Occurs when information is not properly stored in cognitive memory.

Reticular Formation

A network in the brain that regulates alertness and consciousness and filters unnecessary sensory information.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's culture or ethnicity is superior to others.

Fixed Ratio

A reinforcement schedule where a reward is given after a set number of responses.

Fixed Interval

A reinforcement schedule where a reward is given after a specified amount of time has passed.

Variable Ratio

A reinforcement schedule where reinforcement occurs after an unpredictable number of responses.

Variable Interval

A reinforcement schedule where the response is rewarded after an unpredictable duration.

Crystallized Intelligence

Knowledge or skills acquired over time and permanently stored in long-term memory.

Diffusion of Responsibility

A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help if others are present.

Top-Down Processing

Using expectations and past knowledge to fill in gaps or make decisions.

Group Polarization

When a group's opinions become more extreme through discussion.

Reliable

The consistency of a test to produce similar results under similar conditions.

Validity

How well a test measures what it intends to measure.

Iconic Memory

Sensory memory for visual input, briefly held in mind.

Echoic Memory

Sensory memory for auditory input, lingering after the sound has stopped.

The Flynn Effect

The observed rise in IQ scores over time.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious recollection of information that is performed automatically.

Explicit Memory

Conscious recollection of information, intentionally recalled.

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new memories after a traumatic event.

Retrograde Amnesia

Loss of memories prior to a traumatic event.

Internal Locus of Control

Belief that one controls their life outcomes through their actions.

External Locus of Control

Belief that external factors determine their life events.