Psychology: History, Foundations, and Modern Perspectives Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the history of psychology, research methods, biological foundations, developmental stages, sensation, cognition, motivation, personality, and abnormal psychology based on the provided lecture notes.

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior (observable actions) and mental processes (thoughts, feelings).

Overt behavior

Observable actions performed by an individual.

Covert behavior

Internal cognitive functions and mental processes.

Socratic Method

A technique of questioning and introspection used by Socrates to explore the Physical (changeable) and Ideal (unchanging) realms.

Structuralism

A perspective developed by Edward Titchener that analyzed mental structure into sensations and emotions.

Functionalism

A perspective developed by William James that focused on the purpose of mental processes and was influenced by Darwin.

Gestalt Psychology

A focus on perception emphasizing that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Psychodynamic Perspective

A modern perspective focusing on the unconscious mind and early experiences, including the development of sense of self and relationships.

Humanistic Perspective

A perspective that focuses on free will and self-actualization, associated with Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers.

Biopsychological Perspective

A perspective that attributes behavior to biological causes such as the brain, hormones, and genetics.

Applied Research

Research specifically designed to solve practical problems.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable in an experiment that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable in an experiment that is measured to see how it is affected by the independent variable.

Double-Blind Study

An experimental procedure where both the participants and the researchers are unaware of who is in the experimental or control groups to prevent bias.

Stratified Sampling

A sampling method where the population is divided into categories and samples are taken from each.

Snowball Sampling

A sampling method where current participants recruit other participants for the study.

Cross-sectional research

A developmental study design that compares people of different ages at one specific point in time.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate between the influence of inherited traits (Nature) and environmental factors (Nurture) on development.

Teratogen

Any harmful substance, such as alcohol or drugs, that can cause damage during the prenatal critical period.

Piaget's Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage of cognitive development (ages 0–2) where infants learn through their senses and movement.

Personal Fable

A cognitive distortion in adolescence where the individual believes they are unique and special.

Dendrites

The parts of a neuron that receive incoming messages from other cells.

Action Potential

The process of a neuron firing, moving from a resting state of $-70\,mV$ to a threshold of $-55\,mV$ for depolarization.

Sodium-potassium pump

A mechanism that restores a neuron's balance by moving $3\,NA^+$ out and $2\,K^+$ into the cell.

Agonist

A chemical 'helper' that boosts or mimics the effects of a neurotransmitter.

Antagonist

A chemical 'blocker' that stops or inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The division of the Autonomic System responsible for the 'Fight or Flight' response during danger.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The division of the Autonomic System responsible for 'Rest and Digest' functions when the body is safe.

Transduction

The process of converting outside energy, such as light or sound, into neural signals the brain can process.

Weber’s Law of Just Noticeable Differences (JND)

The principle that the smallest difference between two stimuli can be detected 50% of the time.

Opponent-Process Theory

The theory that color vision is based on neurons working in pairs: red-green, blue-yellow, and black-white.

Olfaction

The sense of smell, which involves olfactory receptors detecting odor molecules.

Gate-Control Theory

The theory by Melzack and Wall (1965) that the spinal cord contains a 'gate' that can either block or allow pain signals to reach the brain.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The internal clock located in the hypothalamus that controls the circadian rhythm using light signals.

REM sleep

Rapid Eye Movement sleep, the stage where dreaming occurs and muscles are typically paralyzed.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process associated with B.F. Skinner that focuses on reinforcement to make voluntary behavior more likely.

Implicit Memory

Unconscious long-term memory that includes skills and habits.

Drive-Reduction Theory

The theory that behavior is motivated by the need to satisfy biological requirements and restore homeostasis.

Self-Determination Theory

A theory by Ryan and Deci (2000) stating that motivation depends on three psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

James-Lange Theory

The theory of emotion stating that physical arousal occurs first, which then leads to the labeling of an emotion.

Cognitive-Mediational Theory

Lazarus' theory that emotions depend on how an individual interprets or appraises a situation.

Reciprocal Determinism

Bandura's concept that environment, behavior, and personal/cognitive factors all influence each other.

Locus of Control

Julian Rotter’s concept describing whether individuals believe outcomes are under their own control (internal) or controlled by luck/fate (external).

Self-actualization

In humanistic theory, the process of reaching one's full potential.

The 4Ds of Abnormality

The criteria used to define abnormal behavior: Deviance, Distress, Dysfunction, and Danger.

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder characterized by deep, lasting depression without a clear external cause.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

An anxiety-related disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A disorder involving a break in consciousness or identity, resulting in multiple personalities within one body.

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)

A personality disorder characterized by a lack of remorse, aggressive behavior, and a tendency to break laws.

Dopamine hypothesis

The theory that schizophrenia is related to dopamine levels, where too much causes positive symptoms and too little causes negative symptoms.