Introduction to Psychology

These flashcards cover essential concepts, terms, and definitions in psychology, providing a comprehensive overview of foundational knowledge for the subject.

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation or prediction about how or why something happens, which can be tested.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used by researchers to acquire knowledge through observation and experiments.

Theory

A broad explanation or group of explanations for some aspect of the natural world that is consistently supported by evidence over time.

Empirical

Based on observable and measurable data, rather than subjective or theoretical considerations.

Critical Thinking

The active application of skills to evaluate information, including assessing reliability and usefulness.

Introspection

A method used by Wilhelm Wundt to examine one's own conscious experience as objectively as possible.

Structuralism

An early school of psychology that focused on breaking down mental processes into their basic components.

Functionalism

A perspective in psychology that emphasized the purpose of behavior and mental processes in adapting to the environment.

Behaviorism

A school of thought in psychology that focuses on the observable and measurable aspects of behavior.

Humanism

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the individual's inherent potential for good and personal growth.

Cognitive Psychology

The study of mental processes, including perception, attention, memory, and reasoning.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt, by forming new connections or eliminating old ones.

Endocrine System

A system of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synaptic cleft between neurons.

Agonist

A substance that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter at a receptor site.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at a receptor.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body, including limbs and organs.

Somatic Nervous System

A subdivision of the PNS associated with voluntary control over skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System

A subdivision of the PNS that controls involuntary body functions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system responsible for relaxing the body and conserving energy.

Frontal Lobe

The lobe of the brain involved in reasoning, motor control, emotion, and language.

Occipital Lobe

The lobe of the brain responsible for processing visual information.

Temporal Lobe

The lobe of the brain associated with hearing, memory, and some aspects of language.

Parietal Lobe

The lobe of the brain involved in processing sensory information from the body.