cram packet

structuralism

It focuses on introspection and the underlying structure of the mind.

What is the main objective of functionalism in psychology?

To analyze the purpose of behavior.

What does the psychoanalytic approach emphasize?

The influence of the unconscious and childhood experiences on behavior.

How does the behavioral perspective explain behavior?

It explains behavior as learned and reinforced through experiences.

What is the focus of the humanistic approach in psychology?

It emphasizes free will, free choice, and self-actualization.

What does the cognitive perspective study?

It studies perception and thought processes.

What are the main concerns of the evolutionary perspective?

It concerns genes and their influence on behavior.

What is the biological perspective focused on?

It is focused on the brain and neurotransmitters (NTs).

What does sociocultural psychology examine?

It examines the role of society and cultural influences on behavior.

What does the biopsychosocial approach combine?

It combines biological, psychological, and social factors.

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Basic research aims to increase knowledge, while applied research seeks to help people.

What qualifications do psychologists typically have?

They usually hold an MS or PhD and engage in research or counseling.

What distinguishes a psychiatrist from a psychologist?

A psychiatrist prescribes medications and diagnoses mental disorders; they hold an MD.

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

It is the variable that is tested or changed.

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

It does not receive the special treatment and is compared to the experimental group.

What is the placebo effect?

It refers to improvements in health caused by the belief that one is receiving treatment.

What does the double-blind procedure entail?

Neither the participants nor the experimenters are aware of who receives the treatment.

What is meant by operational definition?

It is a clear, precise definition of how variables will be measured.

Define correlation in psychological research.

Correlation refers to a relationship between two variables.

What is naturalistic observation?

It involves observing subjects in their natural environment.

What do ethical guidelines in psychology protect?

They protect the welfare and rights of research participants.

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

Dendrites receive incoming signals.

What is the role of the myelin sheath?

It speeds up action potential (AP) transmission down the axon and protects the axon.

What does the sympathetic nervous system regulate?

It regulates the body's fight or flight response.

What type of neurotransmitter is GABA?

It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

What is the principle of positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Adding something desirable to increase a behavior.

What is the difference between primary and secondary reinforcers?

Primary reinforcers are biological necessities, while secondary reinforcers are learned.

What is schema in cognitive psychology?

Schema refers to a mental structure that organizes knowledge and guides cognitive processes.

What is the fundamental attribution error?

It is the tendency to underestimate situational influences on behavior and overestimate dispositional influences.

Define general adaptation syndrome (GAS).

It is a three-phase response to stress consisting of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

What typically characterizes a phobia?

A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object or situation that disrupts daily life.

What does cognitive therapy aim to address?

It aims to develop and challenge maladaptive thoughts related to psychological problems.

What is the bystander effect?

It is the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when others are present.

What does self-efficacy refer to?

Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal rewards, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards.

What is the telegraphic stage in language development?

It is a two-word stage in early childhood language acquisition.

What do we mean by object permanence?

It is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.