Advanced Placement Psychology Semester 1 Final Exam Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Advanced Placement Psychology Semester 1 study guide, including perspectives, statistical methods, research methodologies, brain anatomy, and memory.

What are the major perspectives of psychology discussed in class?

Behavioral, Evolutionary, Biological, Humanistic, Cognitive, and Psychodynamic Perspectives.

What is standard deviation?

A measure of the amount of variation or dispersion of a set of values.

What are descriptive statistics?

Statistics that summarize data, including measures such as mean, median, mode, and range.

What are inferential statistics?

Statistics that make inferences and predictions about a population based on a sample of data.

How would a research psychologist use naturalistic observation?

By observing subjects in their natural environment without manipulation.

What is a double blind study?

A study in which neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment, reducing bias.

What is a correlation study?

A research method that examines the relationship between two variables.

What do positive, negative, and no correlation coefficients indicate?

Positive correlation indicates both variables move in the same direction, negative indicates they move in opposite directions, and no correlation indicates no relationship.

Why are ethical standards important in psychological research?

To ensure the safety, rights, and well-being of research participants.

What is statistical significance?

A measure that indicates the likelihood that a result or relationship is caused by something other than mere chance.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable, which is measured.

What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for stressful situations (fight or flight), while the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body down (rest and digest).

What is the primary function of the endocrine system?

To regulate various bodily functions through hormones.

What is the corpus callosum?

A bundle of neural fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain and facilitates communication between them.

What does an MRI measure?

MRI measures the body's soft tissues and reveals information about the brain structure.

What is the function of the cerebellum?

The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

What is sensory adaptation?

The process by which we become less sensitive to constant stimuli over time.

What is the difference between sensation and perception?

Sensation is the process of receiving stimuli from the environment, while perception is the interpretation of those stimuli.

What is the absolute threshold?

The minimum level of stimulus intensity needed for a stimulus to be detected 50% of the time.

What is the difference between implicit and explicit memory?

Implicit memory involves unconscious retention, while explicit memory involves conscious recall.

What is the serial positioning effect?

The tendency to recall information presented at the beginning (primacy) and at the end (recency) of a list better than information in the middle.

What is cognitive ability?

The capability to think, understand, learn, and remember.

What is circadian rhythm?

The physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle, responding primarily to light and darkness.