AP Psychology Review

This flashcard set covers key concepts in AP Psychology, including various psychological approaches, the scientific method, biological bases of behavior, sleep stages, sensory processing, personality theories, treatment methods for psychological disorders, and key definitions.

What is the focus of the Behavioral approach in psychology?

How we learn observable responses.

What does the Biological approach in psychology emphasize?

How the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences.

What is the primary concern of Cognitive psychologists?

How we encode, process, store, and retrieve information.

What does the Humanistic approach focus on?

How we achieve personal growth and self-fulfillment.

Which psychological approach is concerned with unconscious drives and conflicts?

Psychodynamic approach.

How does the Psychosocial approach view behavior?

As a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

What is the main goal of Clinical Psychologists?

To diagnose and treat mental disorders.

What do Quantitative and Psychometric Psychologists focus on?

Discover the numbers/math behind psychological principles.

What type of psychologists work on creating healthy social and physical environments?

Community Psychologists.

What does the Scientific Method in psychology involve?

Formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.

What is the difference between the Experimental and Correlational Methods?

Experimental Method establishes cause-and-effect relationships; Correlational Method examines relationships between variables but does not imply causation.

What is a Null Hypothesis?

A hypothesis stating that the independent variable does not affect the dependent variable.

What does a p-value less than 0.05 indicate?

Statistical significance.

What part of the neuron receives messages from other cells?

Dendrites.

What is the function of the Myelin sheath?

To cover the axon and speed up neural impulses.

What triggers the Action Potential in a neuron?

An electrical charge causing sodium channels to open.

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the brain?

To transmit signals between neurons.

What area of the brain is involved in emotional responses?

Amygdala.

Which brain structure connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord?

Brainstem.

What are the two main types of sleep?

REM and NREM sleep.

What occurs during REM sleep?

Temporary paralysis, irregular breathing, and elevated heart rate.

What term describes the smallest amount by which two stimuli can differ for a person to perceive them as different?

Difference threshold.

What is Synesthesia?

Mixing up of senses, such as seeing numbers as colors.

What is the primary function of the cochlea in the ear?

To convert vibrations into electrical signals.

What are the four primary taste sensations?

Sweet, sour, bitter, salty.

What is the concept of the Cocktail Party Effect?

The ability to focus auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out a range of other stimuli.

What is the difference between Analogous structures and Homologous structures?

Analogous structures serve similar functions but arise from different evolutionary origins; Homologous structures share a common ancestry.

Describe the concept of Cognitive Dissonance.

Mental discomfort when someone's actions and beliefs don’t align.

What is the focus of the Humanistic Theory in psychology?

On personal growth and self-actualization.

What is the major treatment goal for behavioral therapy?

Change maladaptive behaviors.

What does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focus on?

Targeting irrational thoughts and behaviors.

What best defines a personality disorder?

A stable, persistent trait that interferes with social or occupational functioning.

What characteristic differentiates Generalized Anxiety Disorder from other anxiety disorders?

Excessive worry about multiple aspects of life lasting at least six months.

What does the term 'schizophrenia spectrum disorders' refer to?

Severe mental illnesses characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.