Introduction to Psychology Mid-term Exam Review

These flashcards cover major concepts from Introduction to Psychology, providing definitions and explanations for key terms and ideas relevant to the mid-term exam.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Behavior

What you can see.

Mental Processes

What you can’t see.

Scientific Method

A method that uses empirical evidence to describe, predict, and explain behavior and mental processes.

Theory

Broad explanations predicting phenomena of interest.

Hypothesis

A prediction stated in a testable way.

Operational Definition

Translation of a hypothesis into measurable procedures.

Archival Research

Descriptive research using existing data.

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural context without intervention.

Survey Research

A method where a sample is asked questions.

Case Study

An intensive investigation of an individual or small group.

Correlational Research

Examining two sets of variables to see if they are associated.

Positive Correlation

A relationship where both variables increase or decrease together.

Negative Correlation

A relationship where one variable increases as the other decreases.

Experimental Research

Research designed to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in response to the manipulation.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate over the influence of heredity and environment on behavior.

Conscious vs. Unconscious

The distinction between observable and internal causes of behavior.

Free Will vs. Determinism

The debate over choices versus behavior produced by external factors.

Cognitive Psychology

Focuses on higher mental processes such as thinking and memory.

Evolutionary Psychology

Studies how behavior is influenced by genetic inheritance.

Humanistic Perspective

Emphasizes free will and personal growth.

Determinism

The idea that behavior is controlled by factors outside of one's control.

Cognitive Map

A mental representation of spatial locations and directions.

Subfields of Psychology

Branches of psychology, such as behavioral neuroscience and clinical psychology.

Structuralism

Focuses on uncovering the fundamental components of mental activities.

Functionalism

Emphasizes the purpose of mental processes in adapting to the environment.

Gestalt Psychology

Focuses on organization and perception.

Neurogenesis

The creation of new neurons.

Dendrites

Fibers that receive electrical messages from other neurons.

Axon

The extension of a neuron that carries messages to other neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons.

Reflex

An automatic response to a stimulus.

Circadian Rhythm

The biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

REM Sleep

Rapid eye movement sleep, associated with dreaming.

Night Terrors

Sleep disturbances with extreme fear and panic.

Meditation

A technique to refocus attention and alter consciousness.

Psychoactive Drugs

Substances that influence emotions, perceptions, and behavior.

Stimulants

Drugs that increase heart rate and nervous system activity.

Depressants

Drugs that slow down the nervous system.

Classical Conditioning

Learning through association between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

Learning based on the consequences of behavior.

Reinforcement

A process that increases the likelihood of a behavior recurring.

Punishment

A stimulus that decreases the probability of a behavior happening again.

Cognitive Learning Theory

Focuses on thought processes that influence learning.