PSY 201 Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from the PSY 201 course, aiding in the understanding of introductory psychology topics.

Five Pillars of Psychology

The foundational aspects of the American Psychological Association’s Introductory Psychology Initiative.

Wilhelm Wundt

Considered the founder of psychology for establishing the first psychology laboratory in 1879.

Structuralism

A theory in psychology that analyzes the mind in terms of its simplest components and their relationships.

Functionalism

A viewpoint in psychology focusing on the purpose of consciousness and behavior.

Biological approach

Emphasizes the influence of biology on behavior and mental processes.

Psychodynamic approach

Focuses on unconscious processes and unresolved past conflicts.

Behaviorist approach

Emphasizes observable behavior and the role of environmental factors; emerged as a reaction against introspection.

Sociocultural approach

Focuses on how culture, society, and social interactions influence behavior.

Humanistic approach

Emphasizes individual potential and stresses the importance of growth and self-actualization.

Systematic prejudice

The bias or discrimination within the psychological field that can influence research and practice.

Cycle of Science

A continuous process that involves observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

Observational research

A method of data collection that involves watching and recording behavior without interference.

Random sampling

Selecting a representative group from a population randomly; random assignment places participants into groups randomly.

True experimental method

A research method that includes random assignment and can establish cause-and-effect relationships.

Quasi-experimental method

Similar to experimental methods but lacks random assignment; used when random assignment is not feasible.

Correlational methods

Research methods that examine the relationship between variables but do not imply causation.

Operational definition

A clear and precise definition of a variable that allows it to be measured.

Open science movement

An initiative promoting transparency and accessibility in scientific research.

IRB (Institutional Review Board)

A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical standards.

Quantitative data

Data that can be measured and expressed numerically, while qualitative data refers to descriptive and conceptual findings.

Action potential

A rapid rise and subsequent fall in voltage across a cellular membrane when a neuron sends information.

Reuptake

The process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the transmitting neuron after the signal transmission.

Electrochemical communication

The process by which neurons communicate through electrical impulses and neurotransmitters.

Endocrine system

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions.

Reflexes

Automatic, rapid responses to stimuli that are crucial for survival.

Parts of the neuron

Include the cell body, dendrites, axon, and synapses, which are essential for transmitting signals.

Neural communication

The process through which neurons send signal to one another via synapses and neurotransmitters.

Antagonists

Substances that block the function of neurotransmitters; for example, naloxone blocks opioid receptors.

Consciousness

The awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

Stages of Sleep

The various phases of sleep including REM and non-REM stages, each characterized by different brain activity.

Theories of sleep function

Various explanations, such as restoration, energy conservation, and brain processing.

Hypnosis theories

Different explanations regarding the nature and mechanisms of hypnosis.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

A method that records electrical activity in the brain to understand sleep stages.

Circadian rhythms

Biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle, influencing sleep-wake patterns.

Cocktail party effect

The ability to focus on one conversation while disregarding surrounding noise, illustrating divided attention.

Flow

A mental state of being fully immersed and engaged in an activity that can be both beneficial and detrimental.

Psychoactive drugs categories

Classified based on their effects on the brain and body, including stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens.

Function of dreaming

Theories suggest dreams help process emotions, consolidate memories, and problem-solve.

Classical conditioning process

Learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a response.

Operant conditioning

A learning process where behaviors are modified through rewards or punishments.

Reinforcement schedules

Pre-determined rules regarding how often rewards are given to reinforce desired behavior.

Marketing through classical conditioning

Utilizing pairing of products with attractive stimuli to elicit positive feelings.

Aggression and the full moon

A belief that associates lunar phases with human behavior, explained through conditioning principles.

Schedules of consequence

Different methods of applying rewards or punishments, including fixed and variable schedules.

Cognitive learning

Learning through mental processes rather than direct experience, while observational learning involves learning by watching others.

Spanking as a consequence

A form of punishment that is often less effective in modifying behavior compared to other reinforcement methods.