PSYC_2320_Abnormal_Psychology_Chapter_2

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to research methods in the study of psychological disorders.

Translational Research

A scientific approach that focuses on communication between basic science and applied clinical research.

Critical Thinking

A way of processing information in which we examine assumptions, evaluate evidence, look for hidden agendas, and assess conclusions.

Belmont Report

Outlines core ethical principles in research: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

Informed Consent

Ensuring participants understand the study, participation is voluntary, foreseeable risks and benefits are considered, and selection is fair.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes the somatic nervous system (sensation, muscle movement) and autonomic nervous system.

Neurons

Nerve cells in the brain.

Soma

Neuron cell body.

Dendrites

Bushy branch-like structures that receive signals from nearby neurons.

Axon

Cable-like extension that transmits signals away from the soma.

Axon Terminals

Structures at the ends of branches that release chemicals into the space between neurons.

Synapses

Gaps between neurons.

Brain Stem

Controls fundamental biological functions like breathing and heartbeat.

Medulla

Responsible for basic survival functions (e.g., breathing).

Pons

Connects lower and upper parts of the brain; important for consciousness and sleep.

Cerebellum

Important for movement, balance, and coordination.

Midbrain

Coordinates sensory information and movement.

Thalamus

Brain's relay station.

Hypothalamus

Regulates bodily functions (homeostasis).

Limbic System

Deals mainly with emotions and impulses (includes amygdala, cingulate gyrus, and hippocampus).

Basal Ganglia

Structures that inhibit movement.

Cerebral Cortex

Largest part of the forebrain; involved in reasoning, abstract thought, perception of time, and creativity.

Peripheral Nervous System

Divided into sensory-somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Activates a state of physical readiness.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Returns the body to a resting state.

Endocrine System

Regulates bodily functions using hormones produced by glands.

Hormones

Chemical messengers released directly into the bloodstream.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' that controls many endocrine functions.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that relay signals between two neurons.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

The 'building block of life'.

Behavioral Genetics

Study of the influence of genetics and environment on behavior using family, twin, and adoption studies.

Proband

The family member with the disorder in a family pedigree study.

Shared Environmental Factors

Environmental factors shared by family members.

Monozygotic (MZ) Twins

Identical twins.

Dizygotic (DZ) Twins

Fraternal twins.

Case Study

Comprehensive description of an individual or group of individuals.

Single-Case Designs

Experimental study with an individual, involving experimental and control conditions.

ABAB or Reversal

A type of single-case design.

Multiple Baseline Studies

A type of single-case design.

Correlation Methods

Examines the relationship between variables or conditions.

Correlation Coefficient

Indicates the direction and strength of a relationship (ranges from -1.0 to 1.0).

Experimental Group

Exposed to treatment in an experimental group design.

Control Group

Comparison group in an experimental group design.

Independent Variable

Controlled by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The outcome measure that is assessed.

Random Assignment

Each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to either group.

Cohort

Group of people who share a common characteristic and move forward in time as a unit.

Cross-Sectional Design

Participants assessed once for a specific variable.

Longitudinal Design

Includes at least two measurement periods with the same individuals at different times.

Epidemiology

Focuses on the prevalence and incidence of mental disorders.

Prevalence

Number of cases in a given population at a designated time.

Incidence

Number of new cases that emerge.