Edexcel IGCSE Psychology Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards derived from lecture notes on Edexcel IGCSE Psychology covering key concepts and terminologies.

Forebrain

The anterior part of the brain that consists of two hemispheres.

Midbrain

The central part of the central nervous system (CNS), remaining undivided.

Hindbrain

The lower part of the brain that includes the cerebellum, pons, and medulla.

Cerebellum

A brain structure visible around six weeks that plays a role in fear and motor activity.

Medulla Oblongata

Connects the brain to the spinal cord and is responsible for automatic responses.

Object Permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when out of sight, developed during the sensorimotor stage.

Egocentrism

A stage in development where children view the world solely from their perspective, often failing to recognize others' viewpoints.

Conservation

The understanding that certain properties of objects remain the same despite changes in form or arrangement.

Fixed Mindset

The belief that abilities are static and cannot change, leading to challenges in personal growth.

Growth Mindset

The belief that abilities can be developed through effort and practice.

Schemas

Mental frameworks for organizing and interpreting information, essential for cognitive development.

Equilibrium

A balanced state achieved when and individual's schemas can explain all experiences.

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new long-term memories, affecting the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory.

Retrograde Amnesia

The inability to recall memories from before a brain injury, potentially affecting personal identity.

Diathesis-stress Model

A theory suggesting genetic predisposition to conditions is triggered by environmental stressors.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon wherein individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present.

Normative Social Influence

Conforming to a group to fit in or be accepted, regardless of personal beliefs.

Obedience

Following orders from an authority figure, sometimes leading to unethical behavior.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A psychological treatment that aims to modify negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Deindividuation

The loss of self-awareness and individual accountability in group situations.

Prosopagnosia

The inability to recognize faces despite normal vision, usually due to brain damage.

Situational Factors

External elements that affect an individual’s likelihood to intervene in emergencies.

Intervention

The act of intervening, especially in the context of aiding others in need.