Introduction to Psychology Review Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering major concepts and definitions in introductory psychology.

Psychology

The study of human behavior and mental processes.

It Depends

A phrase emphasizing that behavior varies across different people and situations, influenced by multiple factors.

Correlation does not indicate causation

A principle stating that just because two variables are related does not mean one causes the other.

Good Measurement

Accurate and reliable data is foundational for progress in psychological research.

Confidence in Conclusions

The strength of evidence should dictate how much confidence we have in psychological conclusions.

Determinism

The belief that behavior is caused by factors that can be observed or measured.

Free Will

The belief that individuals can make independent choices that influence their behavior.

Dualism

The belief that the mind and body are separate entities.

Monism

The belief that the mind and brain are the same, with consciousness resulting from brain activity.

Self-report

A method of measuring personality or emotions through personal accounts.

Abnormal Behavior

Behavior that is atypical, maladaptive, or causes distress.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or values.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A psychological theory proposing that humans have a hierarchy of needs ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior in relationships, including secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people change and grow throughout life.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process that pairs a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it.

Positive Reinforcement

The addition of a reward following a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior happening again.

Negative Reinforcement

The removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Emotion Regulation

The ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience in a healthy way.

Self-efficacy

The belief in one's ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

Stress

A response to perceived threats or challenges that can interfere with daily functioning.

Anxiety Disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Mood Disorders

Psychological disorders that primarily affect a person's emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia

A severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior.

Cognitive Therapy

A type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns.

Psychodynamic Approach

An approach to psychology focusing on unconscious processes and childhood experiences.

Humanistic Psychology

An approach emphasizing personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people.