AP Psychology - Unit 1, Module 2

Hi everyone! This is a general flashcard consisting of facts and definitions you should know for AP psychology. There may be some mistakes in spelling, and some niche terms may not be covered (I apologize if this happens). I recommend using this to aid your study, but always make sure to take your own notes and complete readings so that you have your own understanding of the material! Good luck studying :)

Psychology

“the science of behavior and mental processes”

Behavior

actions of an organism

Mental processes

internal experiences inferred from behavior

Cognitive Psychology

study of mental processes that occur

Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognitive psychology + neuroscience; brain activity underlying mental activity

Ivan Pavlov

pioneered study of learning/conditioning (Russian physiologist)

Jean Piaget

observer of children's behavior/mental growth (Swiss biologist)

Nature Nurture Issue

controversy over how much genes and experience contribute to psychological traits/behaviors; good to know: Locke rejected inborn memories (pro

Nature

genetic or predetermined characteristics

Nurture

external factors

Who introduced evolution & natural selection?

Darwin introduced evolution/natural selection, which applies to behaviors (agreed with nature)

Natural selection: the idea that over time, species pass on adaptive traits that allow future generations to survive better in new environmental conditions

Evolutionary psychology

study of the evolution of behavior/mind; focused on similarities

Behavior genetics

how do our genetics/environments influence behavior; Difference

What is culture’s influence on behavior?

Culture shapes behavior and influences our habits; however, most humans still share the same biological process. Ex. dyslexia is the same brain malfunction regardless of culture; facial expressions are often universal

Positive Psychology

studied by Martin Seligman; study of human flourishing to discover means to thrive

Biopsychosocial approach

incorporates biological, psychological, and social

Types of theoretical perspectives

behavioral (Focus on learning and conditioning and observable responses); Biological (Focus on body, brain, genetics, physical); Cognitive (Focus on the functioning of the brain processes itself); Evolutionary (focus on natural selection of traits); Humanistic (Focus of personal growth/fullfillment); Psychodynamic (Focus on unconscious drives and conflicts); Social Cultural (How behavior and thinking differ in cultures)

Testing effect

memorization/study method where there is increased memory after repeated self

SQ3R

study method; Survey, Question, Read, Retrieve (test), Review

Spaced Practice

studying over multiple sessions instead of cramming