Psychology (Chapters 1-3)

What is Psychology?

The study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Main goals of psychology

Describe, predict, explain, and change behavior.

Who established the first psychology lab?

Wilhelm Wundt.

What was William James known for?

Focusing on how the mind helps us adapt.

What does the Biological approach in psychology focus on?

Brain and body functions.

What is the Behavioral approach in psychology?

How we act and learn from our environment.

What does the Psychodynamic approach emphasize?

The role of the unconscious mind.

What is the core idea of Humanistic psychology?

Personal growth and choice.

What does the Cognitive approach study?

Thinking, memory, and problem-solving.

What is the focus of the Evolutionary approach?

Behaviors related to survival.

What does the Sociocultural approach examine?

The effects of society and culture on behavior.

Difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist

Psychologists provide therapy; Psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

First step in the Scientific Method

Observe something.

What is a hypothesis?

A prediction made before testing.

What is the purpose of random assignment in research?

To keep tests fair.

What does the Placebo effect refer to?

A fake treatment that produces real effects.

What does Double-blind mean in research?

Neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives what treatment.

What are the two main parts of the Nervous System?

Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

What is the function of the Somatic nervous system?

Controls muscles.

What does the Autonomic nervous system manage?

Automatic body functions like heartbeat.

What happens in the sympathetic nervous system?

Initiates the fight/flight response.

How do neurons communicate?

Dendrites receive information; axons send it to the next neuron via synapses.

Key function of Dopamine

Pleasure and movement.

What role does Serotonin play in the body?

Regulates mood and sleep.

Key function of GABA

Provides a calming effect.

What does Acetylcholine influence?

Muscle movement and memory.

Function of Endorphins

Act as natural painkillers.

Main functions of the Hindbrain

Basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat.

What area of the brain is responsible for movement and alertness?

Midbrain.

What functions are associated with the Forebrain?

Complex processes like thinking and language.

What is the role of the Amygdala?

Involved in fear responses.

Key function of the Hippocampus

Memory formation.

Role of the Hypothalamus

Regulates hunger, thirst, and emotions.

What is Genotype?

The genetic constitution of an individual.

What is Phenotype?

The observable traits resulting from the genotype.

What does the Endocrine System use to send messages?

Hormones.

What is the role of the Pituitary gland?

Controls growth.

What do Adrenal glands control?

Stress response.

What is Brain Plasticity?

The brain's ability to rewire itself after damage.

What is Neurogenesis?

The process of forming new neurons.

Difference between Acute and Chronic stress

Acute stress is short-term; Chronic stress is long-term.

Effect of excessive stress on the body

Negative impact on both physical and mental health.