AP Psychology Vocab 181-210

Mean

The arithmetic average of a group of scores; the most commonly used measure of central tendency

Median

The score in a distribution above and below which lie 50 percent of the other scores; a measure of central tendency

Mode

The score appearing most frequently in a set of observations; a measure of central tendency

Range

The difference between the highest and the lowest scores in a set of observations; the simplest measure of variability

Standard deviation

The average difference of a set of scores from their mean; a measure of variability

Medium-Tasters

People with a typical level of sensitivity to taste

Medulla

The lowest part of the brainstem and connects the spinal cord to the brain. Regulates key body functions such as breathing/heartrate & blood pressure

Long term memory

the relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system

Short term memory

activated memory that holds a few items briefly, such as the seven digits of a phone number while dialing, before the information is stored of forgotten

Memory Consolidation Theory

Suggests that sleep, particularly slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, is crucial for the stabilization and strengthening of newly acquired memories

Memory Restoration Theory

The idea that sleep helps consolidate memories

Mesosystem

Encompasses the relationships and interactions between the various groups in the microsystem: parent-teacher communication and peer group dynamics

Mental set

The tendency to respond to a new problem in the manner used to respond to a previous problem

Meta-Analysis

Set of statistical techniques for combining data from independent studies to produce a single estimate of effect. Very objective and accurate.

Metacognition

Awareness of your own thought process; can guide effective retrieval practice

Method of loci

mentally positioning things-to-remember in a well-known room

Microsystem

Consists of groups that directly interact with the individual: family, friends, and teachers

Misinformation effect

incorporating misleading information into one’s memory of an event

Mnemonic Devices

Memory aids or strategies to help recall information

Monochromatism

A rare condition where individuals see the world in shades of gray due to a complete lack of color vision

Monocular Depth Cues

distant cues, such as linear perspective and overlap, available to either eye alone

Binocular Depth Cues

Depth cues, such as retinal disparity and convergence, that depends on the use of both eyes.

Mood-Congruent Memory

Boosts recall when your current emotional state matches the mood during encoding

Moratorium

A period of active exploration in identity development, where an individual is considering various options.

Motivational Conflicts Theory

A theory that explains how people deal with competing desires or goals.

Multiculturalism

The acknowledgment and celebration of multiple cultural perspectives and identities

Multi-Store Model

A model of memory that includes sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory.

Multiple Sclerosis

A disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves

Myasthenia Gravis

A condition causing weakness in the voluntary muscles due to nerve signal issues

Narcolepsy

Neurological disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden, irresistible sleep attacks

Naturalistic Observation

Involves the systematic study of behavior in natural settings rather than a laboratory. Participants cannot know they are being watched.

NREM 1

Eyes closed, slow rolling of eyes. Average of 5-10 minutes. Theta waves are present. Transitional stage where one is easily awakened. Time of hypnogogic experiences, or dream-like sensations.

NREM 2

Around half your night, stilly easily awoken, transitional stage 2. Far less aware of surroundings. Going from theta waves in light sleep to delta waves in deep sleep.

NREM 3 & 4

Slow wave sleep, delta waves, very relaxed. Slow and regular heart rate. Can fall back asleep easily. Associated with growth and development for children

Nature vs. nurture

the longstanding controversy over the relative contributions that genes and experience make to the development of psychological traits and behaviors