AP Psych CCA

Ethics in Psychological Research

Protects participants' rights, welfare, and dignity.

Nature vs. Nurture

Debate on the influence of heredity (nature) vs. environment (nurture) on individuals.

Generalizability of Experimental Results

Results may not apply to all humans due to individual and cultural differences.

Scientific Method in Psychology

Systematic approach to studying human behavior and mental processes, with limitations.

Biopsychosocial Approach

Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to explain human behavior.

Impact of Nature and Nurture

Both significantly influence development and shape personality and behavior.

Ethical Principle in Experimentation

"Do no harm" emphasizes that ends do not justify the means; consent and welfare are paramount.

Counseling Psychologist

Focuses on helping clients with emotional, social, and physical stressors.

Clinical Psychologist

Diagnoses and treats mental disorders.

Psychiatrist

Medical doctor specializing in mental health, can prescribe medication.

Applied Research

Using research to solve problems.

Observation

Watching subjects in their natural environment.

Hypothesis

Testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Replication

Repeating a study to confirm results.

Independent Variables

Manipulated factors in an experiment.

Dependent Variables

Measured outcomes affected by independent variables.

Extraneous Variables

Uncontrolled variables that may affect results.

Case Study

In-depth analysis of an individual or group.

Cross-Sectional Studies

Observing different subjects at one point in time.

Longitudinal Studies

Observing the same subjects over a long period.

Mean

Average of a data set.

Median

Middle value in a data set.

Mode

Most frequently occurring value.

Standard Deviation

Measure of data variability.

Informed Consent

Participants must be informed about the study.

Confidentiality

Keeping participant information private.

Deception

Misleading participants about the study's purpose.

Placebo Effect

Improvement due to belief in treatment.

Double Blind Study

Neither participants nor researchers know who receives treatment.

Random Assignment

Randomly placing participants into groups.

Correlation

Relationship strength and direction between variables.

Statistical Significance

p value; typically <0.05 is significant.

Normal Distribution

Symmetrical, bell-shaped distribution.

Skewed Distribution

Asymmetrical distribution (positive or negative).

Gambler’s Fallacy

Belief that past events affect future probabilities.

Histograms

Graphical representation of frequency distribution.

Scatterplot

Graph showing relationship between variables.

Genetics and Inheritable Characteristics

Influence personality, temperament, and susceptibility to mental health disorders.

Anatomy and Physiology Impact

Affects cognitive functions, emotional responses, and overall mental health.

Research on Health Behaviors

Emphasizes the significance of mental health and well-being.

Glial Cells

Supportive cells in the nervous system that do not transmit nerve impulses.

Neurons

Basic functional units of the nervous system that transmit information.

Dendrite

Branches of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Myelin Sheath

Fatty layer insulating the axon of a neuron, increasing speed of impulses.

Axon

Long projection of a neuron conducting impulses away from cell body.

Cell Body (Soma)

Spherical part of the neuron containing the nucleus and organelles.

Nucleus (Neuron)

Organelle containing the neuron's genetic material (DNA).

Terminal Button

Structure at the end of an axon that releases neurotransmitters.

Synapse

Junction between neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

Receptor Site

Part of a neuron that receives neurotransmitters from adjacent neurons.

Reuptake

Process by which neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron.

Reabsorption

Return of neurotransmitters to the presynaptic neuron after action.

All or Nothing Principle

Neuron will either fire completely or not at all based on stimulus threshold.

Action Potential

Temporary reversal of electrical polarization in neuron membrane.

Resting Potential

State of neuron when not transmitting a signal.

Refractory Period

Time following an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire.

Depolarization

Membrane potential becomes less negative during action potential.

Threshold

Critical level of depolarization needed to initiate action potential.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Impact

Affects neurons by damaging myelin sheath, disrupting impulse transmission.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

Increase the likelihood of neuron firing action potentials.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Decrease likelihood of neuron firing action potentials.

Dopamine

Neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and motor control.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep; alters cognition and behavior.

Norepinephrine

Involved in arousal and alertness, released during stress.

Glutamate

Main excitatory neurotransmitter critical for learning and memory.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter important for regulating anxiety.

Endorphins

Act as natural painkillers and are involved in feelings of pleasure.

Substance P

Neuropeptide involved in the transmission of pain signals.

Acetylcholine

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle action and memory; linked to Alzheimer's.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

Involved in body's fight-or-flight response.

Leptin

Hormone that regulates energy balance and inhibits hunger.

Ghrelin

Hormone that stimulates appetite, known as the hunger hormone.

Melatonin

Regulates sleep-wake cycles, produced by pineal gland.

Oxytocin

Plays roles in social bonding and reproduction.

Pituitary Gland

The master gland regulating other endocrine glands.

Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Medications that increase serotonin by blocking reabsorption.

Agonist

Substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Antagonist

Substance that blocks a receptor, inhibiting biological response.

Nature (Genetics)

Refers to genetic or hereditary traits individuals are born with.

Heredity

Passing of genetic traits from parents to offspring.

Natural Selection

Process where better-adapted individuals are more likely to survive.

Genetic Predisposition

Likelihood of developing a disease based on genetic makeup.

Eugenics

Controversial philosophy advocating improving genetic quality of humans.

Nurture (Environment)

Influence of environmental factors on individual development.

Environmental Factors

Non-genetic influences affecting development.

Twin Studies (Bouchard)

Research using twins to study contributions of genetics and environment.

Evolutionary Psychology

Psychological traits understood from an evolutionary impact perspective.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates actions.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS connecting it to the rest of the body.

Somatic Nervous System

PNS component controlling voluntary movements.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Regulates involuntary bodily functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares body for stress; fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes relaxation and conserves energy.

Reflex Arc

Neural pathway mediating reflex actions without brain involvement.

Homeostasis

Maintaining stability in biological systems despite changes.

Sensory Neuron

Carries signals from receptors to CNS.

Interneuron

Connects sensory and motor neurons within CNS.

Motor Neuron

Transmits signals from CNS to muscles or glands.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of body organs.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

Combines X-ray images to create cross-sectional images.