pyschology week 1 lecture material

Hindsight Bias

Overestimation of ability, belief that one can 'foresee' the future

Judgemental Overconfidence

'I know this to be true'

Critical Thinking

Analyze over acceptance; flaws, alternatives, hidden bias

The Empirical Method

Rules & guidelines for observation; challenges with humans; complexity, variability

The Scientific Method

Theory, hypothesis, operational definition, replication

Demand Characteristics

Behave as someone expects them to

Reliability

Test, retest

Validity

Observable event indicates context

Instrument

Detection of observable event in which operational definition refers, reliability every time

Descriptive Research

Describing observations accurately (case studies, naturalistic observation, surveys/interviews)

Correlation

Observing two traits that are related to each other, how closely the change of one factor affects the other

Correlation Coefficient

Statistical measure of prediction of variance

Positive Correlation

0 -> +1.00, direct relationship, increase or decrease together

Negative Correlation

0 -> -1.00, inverse relationship, as one increases the other decreases

Scatter

No relationship

Independent Variable

Factor that is manipulated (being studied) [drug dose]

Dependent Variable

Measured, may change when the independent variable is changed [ADHD symptoms]

Confounding Variable

Might introduce effects [other meds]

Double-Blind Procedure

Neither know who's collecting data or receiving treatment

Random Sampling

Unbiased assignment of the population

Measures of Central Tendency

Range, standard deviation, mode, mean, median

Skewed Distribution

Varied distribution, different weights across the board

Normal Curve/Distribution

Bell-shaped curve, distributes data predominantly focusing near the mean

Odds of Occurrence

Less than 5% = proof beyond reasonable doubt

Neuroscience and Behavior

Study of neurons and action potential

Sensory Neurons

Receive information from the world & convey

Motor Neurons

Carry signals from spinal cord to muscles (movement)

Interneurons

Connect sensory, motor, etc. neurons

Dendrite

Starting point of a neuron that recieves and communicates information from neurons

Cell Body (Soma)

Keeps cell alive

Axon

Transmits info from neurons

Myelin Sheath

Provides insulating layer of material (speed of transmission)

Node of Ranvier

Unprotected part of axon (no myelin sheath)

Terminal end

End region of neuron

Synapse

Neurotransmitter dump field, meeting region from one neuron to another

Conduction

Movement of electrical signal within neurons

Transmission

Movement of electrical signal between neurons

Action Potential

A change in voltage (mv) over time (ms)

Saltatory Conduction

Electrical impulses jump from node of Ranvier to the next

All or None

Release of a neurotransmitter