PSYC 121 info from test 1

Theory

Theory

A systematic way of organizing and explaining observations, including a set of propositions about relationships among phenomena.

Hypothesis

A testable statement that can be exploratory and more focused than theories.

Scientific Method

Used in psychology to test hypotheses with appropriate data to determine support.

Broken Windows Theory

Suggests that visible signs of disorder can lead to further disorder and a lack of care.

Psychopathy

Behavior characterized by a lack of interest in others.

Statistics

Used to determine the likelihood that results are not due to chance.

Correlations

Represent the size and direction of the relationship between two variables.

William James

Considered the father of psychology, established the first psychology laboratory.

B.F

Associated with behaviorism, focused on observable behaviors rather than thoughts.

Skinner Box

Instrument used to train animals through reinforcement.

Forensic Psychologist

Applies psychology in legal contexts to track down criminals.

Stanley Milgram

Conducted controversial studies in social psychology.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Focuses on the links between cognition and behavior in treating psychological distress.

Abraham Maslow

Developed the hierarchy of needs theory in humanistic psychology.

Sigmund Freud

Proposed important ideas in psychology, focused on the unconscious mind.

Nativism vs

Debate on whether abilities are innate or learned.

Phrenology

Personality assessment based on skull characteristics.

Nurture

Idea that individuals are born as a blank slate and learn from experiences.

Conformity

Adjusting behavior to match others, influenced by informational and normative factors.

Social Facilitation

Positive effect of observers on individual performance.

Conformity

The act of adjusting one's behavior or thinking to match those of others.

Obedience

Compliance with orders or requests from an authority figure.

Authoritarian Personality

A theory suggesting that harsh parenting leads to emotional dependence and obedience in children.

Milgram Experiment

A study on obedience where participants administered electric shocks to learners based on instructions.

Cultural Psychology

Examines how culture influences people's behavior and psychology.

Emic vs

Emic focuses on cultural context, while etic considers cross-cultural perspectives.

Cognitive Dissonance

The discomfort from holding conflicting thoughts or beliefs.

Ethics

Moral principles guiding research conduct, especially in social psychology.

Bioethical Principles

Respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in research.

Social Facilitation

Improved performance in the presence of others on simple tasks.

Social Loafing

Reduction in individual effort in group tasks compared to individual tasks.

Bystander Effect

Phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help in emergencies when others are present.

Social Influence

Other onlookers serve as models for action, and Pluralistic Ignorance:Unworried others dissuade individual intervention even if worried.

Strangers vs Friends

Helping inhibited with strangers, but inhibition decreases if future interactions are expected.

Burnout

Ongoing state of physical/emotional depletion from excessive demands and stress.

Depersonalization

Treating others like objects, negative shift in response, distancing from clients.

Reduced Personal Accomplishment

Negative response towards oneself and accomplishments due to exhaustion or cynicism.

Consequences of Burnout

Physical and psychological health issues, professional fallout.

What Causes Burnout

Factors like workload, lack of control, values mismatch, and communication.

Trauma

Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.

Personality

Enduring characteristics distinguishing one person from another, consistent behavior patterns.

Physiognomy

Dispositions follow bodily characteristics, physical appearance as a window to the psyche.

Big Five (OCEAN Model)

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.

Personality Over the Lifespan

Generally remains stable over time.