Week 2 flash cards

Goal of a correlational study design

To examine the relationship between two variables and determine whether they are associated with each other.

Difference between correlational and experimental methods

Correlational studies identify relationships but do not establish causation; experimental studies manipulate an independent variable to see its effect on a dependent variable.

Positive correlation

As one variable increases, the other also increases (e.g., studying more → higher GPA).

Negative correlation

As one variable increases, the other decreases (e.g., more social media use → lower sleep quality).

No correlation

No relationship between the variables (e.g., shoe size and intelligence).

Pro of the correlational method

Allows researchers to study relationships that would be unethical or impossible to manipulate in experiments.

Con of the correlational method

Cannot establish causation.

Interpretation of a 0.7 correlation

Strong positive relationship.

Interpretation of -0.2 correlation

Weak negative relationship.

Interpretation of 0 correlation

No relationship between the variables.

Goal of a descriptive study design

To systematically and accurately describe behaviors, thoughts, or attributes of a group without determining cause-and-effect relationships.

Naturalistic observation

A research method where researchers observe and record behavior in its natural environment without interference.

Pro of naturalistic observation

Provides realistic, authentic data because behavior is not influenced by a lab setting.

Con of naturalistic observation

Lack of control over variables; difficult to determine cause and effect.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Brain & spinal cord; processes information, controls responses.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Nerves outside the CNS that connect it to the body.

Somatic Nervous System

Controls voluntary movements (e.g., walking, grabbing objects).

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls involuntary functions (e.g., heartbeat, digestion).

Sympathetic Nervous System

'Fight or flight' - prepares body for stress (increases heart rate, dilates pupils).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

'Rest and digest' - calms the body after stress.

Neuron

A nerve cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

Dendrites

Part of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Cell body (soma)

Processes information and keeps the neuron alive.

Axon

Carries electrical signals away from the cell body.

Myelin sheath

Speeds up signal transmission along the axon.

Terminal branches (terminal buttons)

Release neurotransmitters to send signals to the next neuron.

Synapse

The gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released, allowing neurons to communicate.

When does a neuron 'fire'?

When the neuron reaches a threshold and sends an electrical signal (action potential).

All-or-None Principle of a Neural Impulse

A neuron either fires completely or not at all – no partial firing.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that carry signals across the synapse.

Acetylcholine (Ach)

Neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement, learning, and memory.

Serotonin

Neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, and hunger.

GABA

Inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and calms anxiety.