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Schema Theory

all knowledge is organized into mental frameworks or schemas. These schemas help individuals interpret, process, and retrieve information by using prior knowledge and experience.

Memory recall is influenced by schemas, which may cause distortions if the new information doesn’t fit pre-existing schemas.

Examples of historical philosophers

Plato, Rene Descartes, George Berkeley

Neuroplasiticity

brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Key Study for Neuroplasticity

Maguire et al. (2000) – London Taxi Drivers

control group to investigate whether structural changes could be detected in the brain of people with extensive navigation experience used by an MRI scan.

• taxi drivers had significantly more grey matter in the posterior hippocampus, associated with spatial navigation.

• Conclusion: The brain can change structurally in response to environmental demands (neuroplasticity in the hippocampus due to spatial learning).

2 approaches to Ethnic Considerations

• Etic: Looks for universal behaviors across cultures (outsider’s perspective).

• Emic: Focuses on culturally specific behaviors (insider’s perspective). Ethnic considerations require balancing these approaches to avoid ethnocentrism.

Genotype + Phenotype

Genotype vs. Phenotype

• Genotype: Your genetic makeup (e.g., having a gene linked to depression).

• Phenotype: How the gene is expressed in behavior, which depends on environment too.

Overt vs. Covert Behavior

• Overt behavior: Observable actions (e.g. speaking, walking, facial expressions).

• Covert behavior: Internal processes (e.g. thinking, feeling, remembering), which are inferred from overt behavior or measured indirectly (e.g. via brain scans or self-reports).

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Behavior

• Voluntary: Conscious control, such as decision-making or deliberate movements.

• Involuntary: Reflexive or automatic responses (e.g. blinking, sweating), often studied in biological psychology.

Innate behavior

Genetically hardwired or present at birth (e.g. reflexes, some phobias)