EBQ "Go-To" Terms

prospective memory

refers to remembering to perform a future task

conformity

involves changing one’s behavior or beliefs to align with group norms or expectations. The norms could be based on culture, unspoken rules, expectations, or social influences. People often conform to fit in or avoid conflict

fixed mindset

the belief that intelligence and abilities cannot change much over time. People with this may avoid challenges because they fear failure will reveal a lack of ability

growth mindset

the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and perseverance. Individuals with this mindset view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as threats to their competence

conscientiousness

characterized by organization, dependability, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. People who score high in this tend to be punctual, goal-oriented, and diligent

self-efficacy

one’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or tasks. High ——- can lead to greater resilience and willingness to tackle challenges

reinforcement

refers to any desirable consequence that increases the likelihood of a behavior repeating

punishment

any consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior recurring

social learning/modeling

proposes that individuals learn by observing and imitating others, without direct reinforcement.

nature vs. nurture

debate within the field of developmental psychology examines whether genetics or environment plays a more significant role in development

evolutionary perspective

examines how human thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have been shaped by evolutionary processes. Argues that many of our psychological traits, such as fear responses or mate preferences, developed because they are advantageous for survival and reproduction in our ancestral past. This perspective emphasizes heredity - the passing of traits of parents to humans

natural selection

the process in which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Over many generations, advantageous traits become more common in the population

hippocampus

part of the limbic system that plays a key role in forming and consolidating new memories. It helps transfer information from short-term to long-term storage. Damage to this, such as in Alzheimer’s disease, can severely impair the ability to form new memories

motor neurons

relay neural messages from the central nervous system to the muscles and glands, instructing them to take action

problem-focused coping

refers to strategies aimed at directly addressing the source of stress. Individuals try to change or eliminate the stressor itself

emotion-focused coping

involves managing or reducing the emotional features associated with a stressor rather than directly tackling the stressor itself

general adaptation syndrome - resistance

the second stage of the GAS, during which the body actively attempts to cope with and remain stabilized during a prolonged stressor. Hormone levels remain elevated, and individuals try to adapt to the challenge.

general adaptation syndrome - exhaustion

the final stage of the GAS, occurring when the body’s resources are depleted after prolonged stress. People in this phase often experience fatigue, weakened immune function, and burnout

eustress

positive or beneficial stress that can motivate individuals and enhance performance. arises when a challenge is perceived as manageable and invigorating

distress

negative stress that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, often leading to anxiety, burnout, or health problems. occurs wen challenges seem insurmountable or threatening

psychodynamic

the approach in psychology that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind such as the role of internal conflicts, and childhood experiences on behavior.

sociocultural

examines how social and cultural contexts influence behavior and mental processes