PSYC Study Guide 1

What is the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

A fixed mindset believes abilities are static, while a growth mindset believes abilities can be developed through effort.

What does S.M.A.R.T. stand for in goal setting?

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

What is the importance of the PSYC 1001 Research requirement?

It ensures students engage with psychological research and understand its application.

What is the difference between subjective and objective information?

Subjective information is based on personal opinions or feelings, while objective information is based on observable facts.

What is critical thinking?

The ability to analyze information and arguments, evaluate evidence, and make reasoned conclusions.

What are the main domains of psychology?

Clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, biological, and industrial-organizational psychology.

What are the ethical considerations in psychological research?

Informed consent, confidentiality, and minimizing harm to participants.

What is the scientific method?

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting previous knowledge.

What is a theory in psychology?

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables.

What are descriptive methods in psychology?

Research methods that describe behaviors without manipulating variables, such as case studies and observational studies.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, while the dependent variable is measured to assess the effect.

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To provide a baseline for comparison against the experimental group.

What is random sampling?

A technique used to select participants in a way that every individual has an equal chance of being chosen.

What is the structure of a neuron?

A neuron consists of a nucleus, cell body, dendrites, axon, terminal buttons, and synapse.

What is an action potential?

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron.

What are the major structures of the hindbrain?

Medulla, pons, and cerebellum.

What are the four lobes of the cerebral cortex?

Occipital, parietal, temporal, and frontal lobes.

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

What are the stages of memory processing?

Encoding, storage, and retrieval.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory?

Explicit memory involves conscious recall of information, while implicit memory involves unconscious retention.

What is chunking in memory?

A technique used to improve memory by grouping information into larger, manageable units.

What is the primacy effect?

The tendency to remember the first items in a list better than those in the middle.

What is retroactive interference?

When new information interferes with the recall of previously learned information.

What is the case study of H.M. known for?

It provided significant insights into the role of the hippocampus in memory formation.

What are retrieval cues?

Stimuli that help in the retrieval of memories from storage.

What is the significance of context-dependent learning?

It suggests that memory retrieval is enhanced when the context at retrieval matches the context at encoding.