Exam 1 Review Sheet

Empirical

observable evidence and scientific research to understand and explain behavior and mental processes. This involves conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence rather than speculation.

Multiple Causes of Behavior

Psychology recognizes that behavior is influenced by various factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Freudian Theory

Focuses on the role of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

Behaviorism

Emphasizes the study of observable behavior and the role of conditioning in shaping behavior.

Evolutionary Psychology

Explores how human behavior and cognitive processes have evolved over time

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation or framework that organizes and interprets a wide range of observations and research findings.

Hypothesis

A specific, testable prediction or statement derived from a theory.

Naturalistic Observation

Systematically observing and recording behavior in its natural context without intervention or manipulation.

Surveys

Research methods that involve collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.

Correlational Studies

Examine the relationship between two or more variables.

Variables

Characteristics or factors that can vary and are used in research to measure and study different aspects of behavior or phenomena.

Correlation Coefficients

Indicate the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

Scatterplots

Graphically represent the data and visually display the relationship between two variables.

Experiment

A research method in which one or more independent variables are manipulated to observe their effects on a dependent variable.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor that the researcher manipulates or varies in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The outcome or behavior that is measured in an experiment and expected to be influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Control Group

A group of participants in an experiment who are not exposed to the independent variable.

Experimental Group

The group of participants in an experiment who are exposed to the independent variable or experimental treatment.

Random Assignment

The process of assigning participants to either the control group or the experimental group in a way that each participant has an equal chance of being in either group.

Operational Definition

A clear and specific description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated in a research study.

Encephalic Quotient

A measure used to compare the size of an animal's brain relative to its body size.

Sensory Neurons

Transmit sensory information from sensory organs to the central nervous system.

Motor Neurons

Transmit signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands.

Interneurons

Facilitate communication between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system.

Neurons

The basic building blocks of the nervous system.

Action Potential

A brief electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons where information is transmitted from one neuron to another.

Receptors

Proteins on the postsynaptic neuron's membrane that receive neurotransmitters and initiate a response.

Acetylcholine

A neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, memory, and cognitive functions.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation.

Schizophrenia

A complex mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, hallucinations, and altered perceptions, often involving dopamine imbalances.

Pleasure Center

Brain regions associated with the experience of pleasure and reward, particularly the nucleus accumbens.

Endorphins

Neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Opioids

A class of drugs that can mimic endorphins and are used for pain relief but can also be addictive.

Lesions

Areas of damage or injury to the brain.

Visual Form Agnosia

A neurological condition in which individuals have difficulty recognizing and interpreting visual stimuli.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A neuroimaging technique that measures changes in blood flow and oxygenation in the brain.

Hindbrain

Medulla, Cerebellum, Pons.

Medulla

Controls vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and reflexes.

Cerebellum

Coordinates voluntary movements, balance, and posture.

Pons

Plays a role in various functions, including sleep and facial movements.

Forebrain

Cerebral Cortex, Lobes, Primary Motor Cortex, Somatosensory Cortex, Association Areas, Broca’s Area, Wernicke’s Area, Hypothalamus, Amygdala, Hippocampus.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.

Lobes

Divisions of the cerebral cortex, each responsible for different functions.

Primary Motor Cortex

Controls voluntary muscle movements.

Somatosensory Cortex

Processes sensory information from the body.

Association Areas

Integrate information from various sensory and motor regions and are critical for complex cognitive functions.

Broca’s Area

Responsible for speech production.

Wernicke’s Area

Crucial for language comprehension.

Hypothalamus

Regulates essential functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, and hormonal control.

Amygdala

Plays a role in processing emotions and emotional memories.

Hippocampus

Involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters

These neurotransmitters increase the likelihood that the receiving neuron will generate an action potential.

Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

These neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood of an action potential.

Axon Terminal

release neurotransmitters into synapses to transmit signals to other neurons or muscles.

Axon

long slender projection that carries electrical signals (action potentials) away from the cell body.

Cell Body

contains the nucleus and other organelles, and it is responsible for maintaining the neuron's metabolic functions.

Dendrites

branching extensions that receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors.

Study with "Bobo Doll" and Aggression (Bandura, 1973)

investigate the effects of observing aggressive behavior on subsequent behavior. Children observed an adult model who either displayed aggressive or non-aggressive behavior toward a Bobo doll. The study demonstrated that observing aggressive behavior could lead to imitative and aggressive behavior in children.