PSYC 308 Midterm 2

Natural State or Ideal Type

The inherent essence or perfect form underlying the diversity among individual organisms, as per Aristotle's concept.

Functionalism

The psychology focusing on mental operations and the utility of consciousness in adapting to the environment, contrasting with structuralism.

Hereditary Genius

Galton's study on the inheritance of exceptional abilities and the foundation of the Science of Eugenics.

Stream of Consciousness

William James's idea that consciousness is a continuous flow, resisting reduction to elements.

Material Self

The aspect of self including physical body and possessions, as per James's theory of self.

Affordance

The potential actions an object or environment allows an organism to perform, a concept from ecological psychology.

Ideomotor Theory

The theory suggesting that thinking about an action increases its likelihood of execution, influencing the selection of affordances.

Statistical Noise

Random variations in data analogous to interfering forces, hindering individuals from reaching their Natural State.

Law of Errors

Describes the statistical distribution of measurement errors, typically following a normal distribution pattern.

Frequency Plot

Represents the distribution of data points, showing the occurrence frequency of each value within a dataset.

True Value

Conceptually aligns with the mean or expected value in statistics, representing the central tendency.

Variability

Represents interfering forces or deviations from the mean, reflecting the spread of data points.

Gauss’ Frequency Plot

Measures the distribution of errors or deviations from the true value, often resulting in a normal distribution.

Accidental Cause

Random, unpredictable influences on measurements according to Quetelet's classification.

Constant Cause

Systematic, predictable factors affecting measurements as per Quetelet's categorization.

Variable Cause

Factors causing variation but following a regular pattern, defined by Quetelet.

Regression to the Mean

The tendency for extreme values to move closer to the average upon repeated measurements, related to Quetelet's causes and true score.

Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure indicating the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to 1.

Standardized Test

Administered and scored consistently across all test-takers, ensuring uniformity.

Normed Test

A test with established norms or average scores based on a representative sample, facilitating comparison.

Valid Test

Accurately measures what it claims to measure, ensuring the test's appropriateness.

Group Factor

Specific ability or trait measured by a subset of items within an intelligence test, indicating a common underlying factor.

Factor Analysis

Method used to measure group factors by identifying clusters of related items within a test, aiding in understanding underlying abilities.

Phenomenology

Focuses on direct experience of phenomena, emphasizing subjective perception and consciousness in psychology.

Gestalt Rules

Principles like similarity, proximity, closure, and continuity that explain how the mind organizes sensory input for object recognition.