Module 2 Flashcards: Psychology and Science (ADHD & Research Methods)

A set of 40 vocabulary-style flashcards covering ADHD concepts and research-methods terms from the notes.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria rather than a single medical test.

DSM-5

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition; standard criteria used by clinicians to diagnose ADHD and other disorders.

Inattention

A core ADHD symptom domain involving difficulty sustaining attention, careless mistakes, forgetfulness, and distractibility.

Hyperactivity

A core ADHD symptom involving excessive motor activity, restlessness, and difficulty staying seated.

Impulsivity

Acting quickly without thought, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting one's turn.

Onset before age 12

Criterion that ADHD symptoms begin before age 12.

Six months duration

ADHD symptoms must be present for at least six months.

Across settings

Symptoms must be evident in multiple environments (e.g., home and school).

Comorbidity

The presence of additional psychiatric disorders alongside ADHD (e.g., mood, anxiety, conduct disorders).

Conduct disorder

A disorder characterized by violating the rights of others and societal norms; common comorbidity with ADHD.

Mood disorders

Depressive or related disorders that may co-occur with ADHD.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety-related disorders that may co-occur with ADHD.

Substance use disorders

Problems with use of alcohol or drugs; potential ADHD comorbidity.

Etiology

Origins or causes of ADHD, including multiple contributing factors.

Genetic factors

Genetic contributions to ADHD; high heritability.

Neurological factors

Brain-based factors related to ADHD (e.g., brain structure or function differences).

Cultural factors

Cultural norms and expectations influencing ADHD presentation and interpretation.

Environmental factors

Non-genetic influences on ADHD development (e.g., toxins, upbringing).

Heritability

The proportion of variation in ADHD in a population due to genetic factors; ADHD is highly heritable.

Behavior management

Non-pharmacological approaches to treating ADHD, emphasizing behavior modification.

Stimulants

Medications like Adderall or Ritalin that increase attention and control symptoms.

Adderall

A stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.

Ritalin

Another stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.

Random selection

Process of choosing participants from a population in a way that gives everyone an equal chance of inclusion.

Random assignment

Assigning participants randomly to experimental or control groups.

Independent variable

The treatment or condition deliberately manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent variable

The outcome or behavior measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Experimental group

The group that receives the treatment in an experiment.

Control group

The group that does not receive the treatment but is treated identically otherwise.

Placebo

An inert intervention that resembles real treatment but has no therapeutic effect.

Placebo effect

Improvement attributed to belief in the treatment rather than the treatment itself.

Seven Rules

Seven core steps for conducting an experiment: hypothesis, identify IV, sample selection, random assignment, manipulation, measurement, analysis.

Naturalistic setting

Observing behavior in a normal, real-world environment without manipulation.

Laboratory setting

A controlled environment where variables can be carefully managed.

Correlation

A statistical association between two or more variables.

Correlational analysis

A research approach examining how variables relate to each other.

Correlation coefficient

A numerical index (-1 to +1) describing the strength and direction of a relationship.

Positive correlation

Both variables tend to increase together.

Negative correlation

One variable tends to increase as the other decreases.

Zero correlation

No systematic relationship between the variables.

Case study

In-depth analysis of the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, or behaviors of a single person.

Testimonial

A statement in support based on one person’s detailed observations or experience.