General Psychology Qualifying Examination Review

A set of flashcards covering key terms, theories, and professionals in General Psychology, based on the review lecture by Professor Arth G. Mangcoy.

Counseling Psychology

A field of psychology that focuses on helping individuals deal with everyday life challenges such as stress, relationship problems, and career transitions to improve overall well-being.

Clinical Psychology

A branch of psychology focused on diagnosing and treating severe mental disorders like schizophrenia or major depression through evaluations and therapeutic interventions.

Abnormal Psychology

The scientific study of psychopathology, including the causes, symptoms, and development of mental disorders, often from an academic or research-focused approach.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior (what people do) and mental processes (how people think, feel, remember, and perceive).

Scaffolding

A principle developed under Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory involving temporary support given to a learner that is gradually removed as they gain proficiency.

Anal Stage

Sigmund Freud’s second psychosexual stage (around $1-3$ years old) focused on toilet training; fixations can lead to anal-retentive (rigid) or anal-expulsive (messy) personalities.

Biopsychology and Neuroscience

A field that examines how the brain, nervous system, and biological processes influence behavior, emotions, and cognition.

Principle of Maturation

Development that unfolds naturally according to biological readiness, largely independent of cultural or environmental differences.

Fine Motor Skills

The coordination and use of small muscles, especially in the hands and fingers, for tasks requiring precision like building blocks or drawing.

Gross Motor Skills

Physical abilities involving large muscle groups and whole-body coordination, such as running, biking, or jumping.

Puberty

The biological stage of development characterized by physical and hormonal changes leading to sexual maturity, such as menstruation and breast development.

Accommodation

In Jean Piaget’s theory, the process of adjusting an existing mental framework or schema because new information does not fit into existing categories.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erik Erikson’s psychosocial stage for middle adulthood ($30-64$ years), where the focus is on contributing to society and caring for others.

Cognitive Development

The area of development primarily associated with mental processes such as language acquisition, thinking, memory, and comprehension.

Attachment

The strong emotional and psychological bond that forms between a child and their primary caregiver, providing a sense of safety and security.

Applied Psychology

The application of psychological theories and principles to solve real-world problems in settings like schools, the military, or within communities.

Consumer Psychology

A field of applied psychology that studies how people think, feel, and behave regarding buying products, persuasion, and marketing campaigns.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach focused on identifying and modifying negative or irrational thought patterns and behaviors to alleviate distress.

Gratitude

A concept in positive psychology linked to increased life satisfaction and well-being by focusing on appreciating positive experiences and relationships.

Preconventional Morality

The earliest level of Lawrence Kohlberg’s moral development where decisions are based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards.

Preoperational Stage

Piaget’s second stage of cognitive development (ages $2-7$), characterized by symbolic thinking, imagination, and pretend play.

Inferiority Complex

A concept proposed by Alfred Adler referring to a persistent feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt, often involving underestimating one's own capabilities.

Reciprocal Determination

Albert Bandura’s model illustrating the dynamic interplay between personal factors (thoughts), behavior, and environmental factors.

Rule of Prediction

Using observed data or relationships in psychology to forecast future outcomes, such as estimating dropout rates based on test scores.

Repression

An ego defense mechanism involving the (un)conscious pushing of distressing thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind to reduce anxiety.

Regression

A defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an earlier, less threatening stage of development.

Projection

An ego defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings, such as jealousy, onto others.

Safety and Security Needs

The second level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, encompassing the desire for stability, reliable income, and a safe environment.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

A theory proposing that emotional experience arises from the brain's interpretation of bodily or physiological reactions to a stimulus.

Encoding

The initial memory process of taking in sensory information and transforming it into a form that can be stored for later use.

Self-Efficacy

An individual's belief in their own capacity to successfully carry out specific tasks or responsibilities.

Positive Punishment

A form of behavior modification where an undesirable behavior is followed by the addition of an aversive stimulus to decrease the behavior's occurrence.

Interpersonal Intelligence

One of Howard Gardner’s 9 intelligences, involving the capacity to understand and interact effectively with others through communication and empathy.

Babinski Reflex

A newborn reflex where the toes fan out and then curl back in when the sole of the foot is gently stroked.