Psychology 101 Flashcards

Flashcards for Psychology 101 review.

Endorphins

Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control and to pleasure.

Experimental Method

Research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more factors (independent variables) to observe the effect on some behavior or mental process (dependent variable).

Correlation

A measure of the extent to which two factors vary together, and thus of how well either factor predicts the other.

Mode

The most frequently occurring score(s) in a distribution.

Mean

The arithmetic average of a distribution, obtained by summing the scores and then dividing by the number of scores.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest scores in a distribution.

Generalizability

The extent to which the results of a study can be applied to other populations or settings.

Standard Deviation

A computed measure of how much scores vary around the mean score.

Nervous System

The central nervous system's physiological and psychological response to what the individual consciously recognizes as a threat.

Selective Attention

A model of selective attention that explains how we filter out stimuli and focus on what is important.

Episodic Memory

A type of memory for events that occur in a particular time, place, or context.

Semantic Memory

A type of memory for the general knowledge or facts we have accumulated throughout our lives.

Procedural Memory

A type of long-term memory involving how to perform different actions and skills. Essentially, it is the memory of how to do certain things.

Encoding

The processing of sensory information into the memory system.

Algorithm v. Heuristic

Algorithm: A methodical, logical rule or procedure that guarantees solving a particular problem. Heuristic: A simple thinking strategy that often allows us to make judgments and solve problems efficiently.

Standardization

The proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes.

Validity

The extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to.

Reliability

The extent to which a test yields consistent results, as assessed by the consistency of scores on two halves of the test, on alternate forms of the test, or on retesting.

Normal Curve

A symmetrical, bell-shaped curve that describes the distribution of many types of data; most scores fall near the mean (68 percent fall within one standard deviation of it) and fewer and fewer near the extremes.