psych flashcards

Psychology

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

Scientific Method

Orderly procedures researchers follow to identify problems, design studies, collect/analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate results.

Testable Hypothesis

A statement that can be tested and justified based on theory or observation.

Theory

A general set of principles explaining how separate facts are related.

Occam’s Razor

The principle that the simplest explanation with the fewest assumptions is preferred.

Replication

Repeating a study to verify results with different participants or methods.

Falsification

Looking for evidence that could disprove a hypothesis.

Logic Positivism

A theory is correct if evidence proves it, wrong if evidence disproves it.

Goal of Description in Psychology

Accurately and completely describing behavior and mental processes.

Goal of Explanation in Psychology

Understanding conditions that influence behavior by ruling in or out alternatives.

Goal of Prediction in Psychology

Identifying antecedent conditions to forecast behavior.

Goal of Influence in Psychology

Applying psychological knowledge to improve quality of life.

Basic Research

Research conducted to advance general scientific understanding.

Applied Research

Research aimed at solving practical problems and improving quality of life.

Aristotle

Proposed four causes in nature: efficient, material, formal, and final.

Rene Descartes

Philosopher known for Cartesian Dualism; mind and body are separate.

Monism

The belief that mind and body are the same.

Dualism

The belief that mind and body are separate entities.

Phrenology

Pseudoscience claiming different brain areas control specific mental functions.

Structuralism

Study of basic elements of consciousness; introspection used to examine pure sensations.

Functionalism

Study of how mental processes help humans and animals adapt to their environment.

Behaviorism

Focus on observable and measurable behavior; rejects introspection.

Psychoanalysis

Freud’s theory emphasizing the unconscious mind and talk therapy.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes human uniqueness, growth, choice, and psychological health.

Gestalt Psychology

The perspective that the mind interprets experiences in predictable ways.

Cognitive Psychology

Studies mental processes like memory, problem-solving, perception, and language.

Information Processing Theory

Compares mental operations to computer processes; brain interprets information.

Descriptive Research

Research methods that systematically observe and describe behavior.

Longitudinal Design

Studies the same variables in the same group over time.

Cross-sectional Design

Studies variables among different groups at a single point in time.

Naturalistic Observation

Systematic observation of behavior in its natural environment.

Case Study

Intensive, in-depth investigation of an individual or small group.

Survey

Structured questions to investigate opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a group.

Sample

A selected segment of the population used to represent the larger group.

Representative Sample

A sample that closely mirrors the larger population on key characteristics.

Random Selection

Every member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.

Correlational Study

Examines the relationship between two variables.

Correlation Coefficient

Numerical measure of the strength and direction of a relationship between variables.

Confounding Variable

An outside influence that affects the relationship between variables.

Random Assignment

Assigning participants to groups so each has an equal chance.

Experimental Group

The group exposed to the independent variable.

Control Group

The group not exposed to the independent variable; used for comparison.

Double-Blind Technique

Neither participants nor researchers know who is in the experimental or control group.

Demand Characteristics

Subtle cues that influence participants’ behavior.

Placebo Effect

When participants experience changes due to expectations rather than treatment.

Comparative Psychology

Studies behavior of nonhuman animals.

Independent Thinking

Evaluating evidence rather than accepting information automatically.

Suspension of Judgment

Gathering information before forming a conclusion to avoid bias.

Critical Thinking

Objectively evaluating claims, propositions, and conclusions based on evidence.

Neurons

Nerve cells that transmit information in the nervous system.

Dendrites

Receiving parts of neurons; collect signals from other neurons.

Cell Body

Contains nucleus; produces proteins and maintains neuron functions.

Axon

Transmits signals from the neuron to other neurons or muscles.

Axon Terminal

End of the axon where neurotransmitters are released.

Synapse

Gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are transmitted.

Glial Cells

Support cells in the nervous system; form myelin and blood-brain barrier.

Myelin Sheath

Insulating layer around axons that speeds signal transmission.

Astrocytes

Glial cells that hold neurons in place and support growth.

Resting Potential

Electrical charge across a neuron when inactive (-70mV).

Graded Potential

Small changes in electrical charge in response to inputs; can be excitatory or inhibitory.

Action Potential

All-or-none electrical impulse that travels down the axon.

Glutamate

Excitatory neurotransmitter; involved in learning, thought, and emotion.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter; reduces neural activity.

Serotonin

Regulates mood, sleep, appetite, impulsivity, and aggression.

Endorphins

Relieve pain and produce feelings of pleasure.

Acetylcholine

Involved in REM sleep, movement, learning, and memory.

Norepinephrine

Affects alertness, wakefulness, and eating behaviors.

Epinephrine

Regulates energy release and metabolism during stress or exercise.

Dopamine

Influences movement, attention, learning, and reward.

Sympathetic Division

Activates fight-or-flight responses; part of the autonomic nervous system.

Parasympathetic Division

Promotes rest and digestion; part of the autonomic nervous system.

Pituitary Gland

“Master gland” controlling other endocrine glands; regulated by the hypothalamus.

Pineal Gland

Produces melatonin to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

Adrenal Glands

Release adrenaline and cortisol in response to stress.

Testes

Produce testosterone in males.

Ovaries

Produce estrogen in females; both sexes produce some hormones of the opposite sex.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain and spinal cord; processes and sends information.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Connects CNS to the rest of the body; includes somatic and autonomic systems.

Frontal Lobe

Controls movement, executive functions, and decision-making.

Broca’s Area

Speech production area; damage causes difficulty producing language.

Parietal Lobe

Processes sensory information and spatial orientation.

Temporal Lobe

Processes hearing, language comprehension, and memory.

Occipital Lobe

Processes visual information.

Basal Ganglia

Controls voluntary movements; linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Basal Forebrain

Activates cortex and supports attention; linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Thalamus

Sensory gateway to the cerebral cortex.

Midbrain

Contains structures processing auditory and visual information.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Regulates cortical arousal.

Hindbrain

Controls basic life functions (cerebellum, pons, medulla).

Limbic System

Emotional center of the brain; regulates emotion and memory.

Hypothalamus

Maintains internal states; regulates endocrine systems.

Amygdala

Processes excitement, fear, arousal, and social signals.

Cingulate Cortex

Involved in emotional expression and socially appropriate behavior.

Hippocampus

Forms new memories; damage impairs memory formation.

Prefrontal Cortex

Associated with decision-making and planning.

Place Cells

Neurons that activate in a specific location, aiding spatial navigation.

Grid Cells

Neurons activating in a grid pattern, supporting spatial awareness.

Mind-Brain Evidence (Monism)

Brain activity correlates with behavior; damage affects behavior.

Brain Mapping Methods

Techniques to study brain structure and function.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

Records electrical activity of the brain.