Psych 101 final

Psychology

The scientific study of the mind and behavior. Mind = covert (internal): thoughts, feelings, emotions. Behavior = overt (external): actions we observe.

Ancient Greece & Psychology

Considered the beginning of psychology; philosophers explored topics like pain, knowledge, motivation, and mental illness.

Wilhelm Wundt

First psychologist (Germany). Used introspection (examining one's own experience objectively). Studied reaction times.

Introspection

Examining one's own experience as objectively as possible.

Structuralism

Early psychology school focused on identifying the basic elements or structures of the mind.

William James

First American psychologist. A functionalist: focused on how the mind's functions help an organism survive.

Functionalism

Early psychology school focused on the purpose and adaptive functions of mental processes.

Structuralist vs. Functionalist

Structuralist: Disassembles the computer to see components. Functionalist: Turns on the computer to see how it works.

Sigmund Freud

Well-known psychologist; developed psychoanalytic theory. Emphasized the unconscious and early childhood experiences.

Psychoanalytic Theory

Theory that emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

Gestalt Psychology

Approach that emphasizes that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Psyche

Greek root of 'psychology'; means 'soul' or 'mind'.

Logos

Greek root meaning 'the study of'.

Empirical Methods

Studying what can be observed; essential for psychology as a science.

Psychology as a Science

Constantly evolving; ideas change over time. Many myths exist.

Common Myths in Psychology

Myths include opposites attract, left-brained/right-brained, venting anger helps, we use only 10% of our brain, midlife crisis, and matching learning styles.

Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Highest degree; usually requires a dissertation.

Peer-Reviewed Research Journals

Publications where research is evaluated by other researchers before publication, ensuring quality.

Case Study

Detailed study of one or a few individuals; provides much information, but has limited generalization.

Phineas Gage

Case study example: survived a tamping iron through his head, damaging his left frontal lobe and affecting personality/behavior.

H.M.

Case study example: surgery for epilepsy damaged his hippocampus, resulting in the inability to form new memories.

Observational Research

Observing behavior; can be naturalistic (real world) or laboratory (controlled).

Naturalistic Observation

Observing behavior in its natural environment.

Laboratory Observation

Observing behavior in a controlled setting.

Observer Bias

When observers see what they expect to see.

Surveys

Lists of questions answered by participants (self-report).

Sample

A subset of individuals selected from a larger population.

Population

The overall group of individuals that researchers are interested in.

Random Sampling

Selecting participants so everyone in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Correlation

A measure of the linear relationship between two or more variables. Does NOT imply causation.

Correlation Coefficient

A number between -1 and +1 that indicates the strength and direction of a correlation.

Positive Correlation

Variables increase or decrease together.

Negative Correlation

Variables move in opposite directions.

Illusory Correlations

Seeing relationships between variables when no such relationship exists.

Experiment

Research method to test cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating one or more variables.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable the researcher manipulates.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable the researcher measures to see if it's affected by the IV.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the experimental treatment or manipulation.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the treatment; used for comparison.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance to reduce bias.

Placebo Effect

When expectations influence the outcome of a treatment.

Single-Blind Study

Participants don't know which group they are in.

Double-Blind Study

Neither participants nor researchers know who is in which group.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

A committee that reviews research proposals to ensure ethical guidelines are followed.

Informed Consent

Participants must be told about the study and its risks before agreeing to take part.

Deception in Research

Sometimes used, but must be justified and participants debriefed afterward.

Debriefing

Giving participants full information about the study after participation.

Generalizability

The extent to which study findings can be applied to other people or situations.

Validity

The extent to which a study measures what it's supposed to measure.

Reliability

The consistency and repeatability of research results.

Intuition vs. Research

Intuition can be flawed; research uses evidence.

Experience vs. Research

Personal experience can be misleading; research looks for patterns.

Correlation vs. Causation

Correlation does not imply causation.

Parietal Lobe

Top of the head; contains the primary somatosensory cortex.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes touch, temperature, pain; located in the parietal lobe.

Occipital Lobe

Back of the brain; contains the primary visual cortex.

Primary Visual Cortex

Processes visual information; located in the occipital lobe.

Cerebral Cortex

Outer layer of the brain, divided into four lobes.

Subcortical Structures

Structures within the brain, beneath the cortex.

Brainstem

Lower part of the brain; controls basic life functions.

Cerebellum

Responsible for balance, coordination; affected by alcohol.

Frontal Lobe

Front of the brain; involved in movement and higher cognitive functions.

Prefrontal Cortex

Involved in planning, decision-making, self-control.

Temporal Lobe

Involved in hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Neuron

Basic building block of the nervous system.

Soma

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus.

Dendrites

Extensions that receive signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long fiber that carries signals away from the neuron's cell body.

Myelin Sheath

Insulates the axon and speeds up neural signal transmission.

Glial Cells

Support neurons by providing nutrients and insulation.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse.

Receptor Sites

Proteins on the receiving neuron where neurotransmitters bind.

Reuptake

The process where neurotransmitters are reabsorbed back into the sending neuron.

Action Potential

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron.

All-or-None Principle

A neuron either fires completely or not at all.

Refractory Period

A brief period after a neuron fires when it cannot fire again.

Biological Rhythms

Cycles of biological activity, such as the menstrual cycle.

Circadian Rhythms

24-hour biological rhythms, such as the sleep-wake cycle.

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

Brain's biological clock that regulates circadian rhythms.

Melatonin

Hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, released by the pineal gland.

Pineal Gland

Endocrine gland that secretes melatonin.

Jet Lag

Mismatch between internal rhythms and the environment.

Rotating Shift Work

Disrupts circadian rhythms; relates to health issues.

Why do we sleep?

To reduce energy use, avoid predators, and enhance cognitive functions.

Stages of Sleep

Five stages including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep.

REM Sleep

Stage of sleep associated with rapid eye movements and dreaming.

Consciousness

Awareness of internal and external stimuli.

Sensation

The process of receiving and representing stimulus energies.

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information.

Bottom-Up Processing

Processing sensory information as it comes in.

Top-Down Processing

Using experience to interpret sensory information.