Psych Exam 2024

Term: Uncritical acceptance
Definition: A tendency to accept ideas or claims without question, skepticism, or critical analysis, often leading to misinformation.

Term: Gestalt psychology
Definition: A psychological approach that emphasizes understanding the human mind and behavior as a whole, proposing that the collective experience is greater than the sum of its individual parts.

Term: Psychiatrist
Definition: A licensed medical doctor specializing in mental health, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional disorders.

Flashcard #4
Term: Reinforcer (Varied Ratio)
Definition: A principle in operant conditioning where reinforcement is delivered after a varying number of correct responses, promoting high and consistent response rates.

Flashcard #5
Term: Primary reinforcer
Definition: A stimulus that naturally satisfies a biological need, such as food, water, or shelter.

Flashcard #6
Term: Observational Learning
Definition: The process of acquiring new behaviors or information by watching and imitating others, a key element of social learning theory.

Flashcard #7
Term: High-frequency responses
Definition: Behavioral responses that occur frequently and can reinforce less common behaviors, enhancing their occurrence.

Flashcard #8
Term: Sensory memory
Definition: The initial, brief storage of sensory information, retaining impressions of sensory stimuli for a very short duration, typically less than a second.

Flashcard #9
Term: Anterograde amnesia
Definition: A type of memory loss characterized by the inability to form new memories following a traumatic event or brain injury, while past memories may remain intact.

Flashcard #10
Term: Self-actualization
Definition: The process of realizing and fulfilling one's own potential, capabilities, and creativity, representing the highest level of psychological development.

Flashcard #11
Term: Dynamic unconscious
Definition: The aspect of the unconscious mind that contains memories, desires, and motives that can shape behavior but are not readily accessible to conscious awareness.

Flashcard #12
Term: Operational definition
Definition: A clear and precise statement of the procedures or operations used to define research variables, ensuring measurements are specific and replicable.

Flashcard #13
Term: Evolutionary Psychology
Definition: The study of psychological traits as evolved adaptations that enhance survival and reproduction, exploring how evolutionary principles influence human behavior.

Flashcard #14
Term: Falsification
Definition: The methodological process of testing a hypothesis or claim by attempting to demonstrate its incorrectness, essential for scientific inquiry.

Flashcard #15
Term: Cultural relativity
Definition: The concept that an individual's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood within the context of their own culture, promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Flashcard #16
Term: Survey
Definition: A research method involving the collection of information from a sample of individuals, often used to gather data on opinions, behaviors, or characteristics.

Flashcard #17
Term: Experimental group
Definition: The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention being tested, allowing for comparison with a control group.

Flashcard #18
Term: Correlation
Definition: A statistical measure that describes the extent to which two variables are related, but does not imply causation or a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Flashcard #19
Term: Double-blind study
Definition: A research design where neither the participants nor the researchers know which subjects are receiving the treatment or placebo, reducing bias.

Flashcard #20
Term: Central nervous system (CNS)
Definition: The main part of the nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord, responsible for processing information and coordinating activities.

Flashcard #21
Term: Dendrites
Definition: Branch-like extensions of neurons that receive electrical signals from other neurons, playing a crucial role in transmitting information.

Flashcard #22
Term: Sympathetic nervous system
Definition: A component of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses in stressful situations.

Flashcard #23
Term: Cranial nerves
Definition: Nerves that emerge directly from the brain, responsible for various functions including sensory and motor activities in the head and neck.

Flashcard #24
Term: Peripheral nervous system
Definition: The segment of the nervous system that exists outside of the brain and spinal cord, linking the central nervous system with limbs and organs.

Flashcard #25
Term: Axon terminals
Definition: The endpoints of an axon where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with neighboring neurons, facilitating nerve signal transmission.

Flashcard #26
Term: Myelin sheath
Definition: A fatty layer that covers and insulates the axons, enhancing the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission across neurons.

Flashcard #27
Term: Neuroplasticity
Definition: The brain's capacity to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, a fundamental aspect of learning and recovery from injury.

Flashcard #28
Term: Availability heuristic
Definition: A cognitive shortcut used in decision-making that relies on immediate examples or memories that come to mind, potentially leading to skewed judgments.

Flashcard #29
Term: Cognitive fluency
Definition: The ease with which information is processed and understood, often influencing judgments and decisions through perceived clarity.

Flashcard #30
Term: Creativity
Definition: The ability to generate new, original ideas or solutions that are both novel and useful, often involving divergent thinking.

Flashcard #31
Term: Authoritative parenting
Definition: A parenting style characterized by high responsiveness and high expectations, promoting a supportive environment that encourages independence and self-regulation.

Flashcard #32
Term: Object permanence
Definition: The understanding developed during infancy that objects continue to exist even when they are not directly observable or perceivable.

Flashcard #33
Term: Motherese (Parentese)
Definition: A simplified and exaggerated form of speech used by adults when talking to infants, enhancing language acquisition.

Flashcard #34
Term: Illogical thought
Definition: Thinking patterns that violate standard logical principles, often characterized by inconsistencies or faulty reasoning.

Flashcard #35
Term: MRI
Definition: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a medical imaging technique used to visualize internal structures of the body, including the brain.

Flashcard #36
Term: Electroencephalograph (EEG)
Definition: A device that records electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp, providing insights into brain function.

Flashcard #37
Term: Visual agnosia
Definition: A neurological condition in which an individual cannot recognize familiar visual objects despite having intact vision and awareness.

Flashcard #38
Term: Midbrain
Definition: A central part of the brain that coordinates several important functions, including vision and hearing.

Flashcard #39
Term: Coordination and balance
Definition: The ability to use different parts of the body together efficiently and smoothly, essential for many physical activities.

Flashcard #40
Term: Amygdala
Definition: A critical brain structure involved in the regulation of emotions, particularly fear, and the formation of emotional memories.

Flashcard #41
Term: Cerebral cortex
Definition: The outermost layer of the brain associated with higher-order functions such as thought, reasoning, language, and sensory processing.

Flashcard #42
Term: Corpus callosum
Definition: The large band of neural fibers connecting the left and right hemispheres of the brain, facilitating interhemispheric communication.

Flashcard #43
Term: Temporal lobe
Definition: A region of the brain primarily focused on processing auditory information and is also involved in memory and language.

Flashcard #44
Term: Limbic system
Definition: A set of interconnected brain structures involved in emotion, memory, and arousal, playing a critical role in behavior and learning.

Flashcard #45
Term: Broca’s area
Definition: An area of the brain associated with the production of speech and language processing, typically located in the left hemisphere.

Flashcard #46
Term: Fixed ratio (FR) schedule
Definition: A reinforcement schedule that delivers reinforcement after a specified number of responses, encouraging consistent behavior.

Flashcard #47
Term: Variable interval (VI) schedule
Definition: A reinforcement schedule providing reinforcement after varying time intervals, creating unpredictability in reward timing.

Flashcard #48
Term: Variable ratio (VR)
Definition: A reinforcement schedule providing reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses, leading to high and steady rates of action.

Flashcard #49
Term: Perception of depth
Definition: The visual capability to perceive and judge the distance of objects in the environment, crucial for spatial understanding.

Flashcard #50
Term: Pictorial depth cues
Definition: Visual indicators, such as size, overlap, and shading, used to convey depth in two-dimensional images, aiding in spatial perception.

Flashcard #51
Term: Oxytocin
Definition: A hormone that plays a significant role in social bonding, reproduction, and childbirth, influencing behaviors such as trust and empathy.

Flashcard #52
Term: Melatonin
Definition: A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms, often referred to as the sleep hormone.

Flashcard #53
Term: Conservation
Definition: The understanding that certain properties of objects, such as volume and mass, remain constant despite changes in their shape or appearance.

Flashcard #54
Term: Accommodation
Definition: The cognitive process of adjusting one's existing schemas to incorporate new information or experiences, facilitating learning.

Flashcard #55
Term: Permissive parenting
Definition: A parenting style characterized by low demands and high responsiveness, often leading to a relaxed and lenient approach to child-rearing.

Flashcard #56
Term: Sensorimotor stage
Definition: The first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, where infants learn about the world through sensory perceptions and motor activities.

Flashcard #57
Term: Biological predisposition
Definition: An inherent inclination toward certain traits or behaviors, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Flashcard #58
Term: Discovery learning
Definition: An educational approach that emphasizes active exploration and inquiry, allowing students to learn concepts and skills through experience.

Flashcard #59
Term: Fixed mindset
Definition: The belief that abilities, intelligence, and talents are static and unchangeable, which can hinder personal growth and development.

Flashcard #60
Term: Token reinforcement
Definition: A form of reinforcement involving the use of tokens that can be earned and exchanged for desired rewards, often used in behavioral programs.

Flashcard #61
Term: Cognitive psychology
Definition: The branch of psychology focused on the study of mental processes, including perception, memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

Flashcard #62
Term: Natural selection
Definition: The process through which organisms better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, influencing evolutionary changes.

Flashcard #63
Term: Psychoanalysis
Definition: A therapeutic approach founded by Sigmund Freud that emphasizes exploring the unconscious mind and understanding repressed thoughts and emotions.

Flashcard #64
Term: Spaced practice
Definition: A learning technique that promotes retention by studying information over spaced intervals rather than in a single session.

Flashcard #65
Term: Surrogate
Definition: A substitute that takes the place of another person or object, often used in psychological or behavioral contexts.

Flashcard #66
Term: Developmental psychology
Definition: The field of psychology dedicated to understanding how individuals grow and change throughout their life span, from infancy to old age.

Flashcard #67
Term: Temperament
Definition: The innate traits and behavioral tendencies that influence how individuals interact with their environment, often seen in early childhood.

Flashcard #68
Term: Separation anxiety
Definition: An emotional condition characterized by excessive distress in children when separated from their primary caregiver, often seen in early development.

Flashcard #69
Term: Authoritarian parenting
Definition: A parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness, typically emphasizing obedience and discipline over emotional warmth.

Flashcard #70
Term: Assimilation
Definition: The cognitive process of integrating new experiences into existing cognitive schemas, allowing for consistent understanding of the world.

Flashcard #71
Term: Pituitary gland
Definition: The master gland located at the base of the brain that regulates various endocrine functions, including growth and metabolism through hormone release.

Flashcard #72
Term: Adrenal glands
Definition: Hormone-producing glands situated on top of each kidney that play a vital role in the body's response to stress by releasing hormones like adrenaline.

Flashcard #73
Term: Psychodynamic theory
Definition: A psychological approach that explores the influence of unconscious motivations and childhood experiences on behavior and mental processes.

Flashcard #74
Term: Evolutionary psychology
Definition: A perspective integrating psychology and evolutionary biology to understand how natural selection influences cognitive processes and behaviors.

Flashcard #75
Term: Neuroscience
Definition: The interdisciplinary scientific study of the nervous system, focusing on the structure, function, development, and pathology of the brain and its components.

Flashcard #76
Term: Hypothesis
Definition: A testable and falsifiable prediction regarding the relationship between two or more variables, serving as a basis for scientific research.

Flashcard #77
Term: Quasi-experimental design
Definition: A type of research design that seeks to establish cause-and-effect relationships without the use of random assignment to groups.

Flashcard #78
Term: Self-fulfilling prophecy
Definition: A phenomenon where a belief or expectation about an individual or event brings about behavior that confirms that belief.

Flashcard #79
Term: Representative sample
Definition: A subset of a population that accurately reflects the characteristics and demographics of the larger group from which it is drawn.

Flashcard #80
Term: Correlational study
Definition: Research examining the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation, identifying potential correlations but not causation.

Flashcard #81
Term: Inductive reasoning
Definition: A logical process where general conclusions are drawn from specific observations or examples, often used in scientific inquiry.

Flashcard #82
Term: Linguistic relativity
Definition: The hypothesis proposing that the structure and vocabulary of a language influence its speakers' worldview and cognition.

Flashcard #83
Term: Functional fixedness
Definition: The cognitive bias limiting a person to only using an object as it is traditionally utilized, hindering creative problem-solving.

Flashcard #84
Term: Insight learning
Definition: A form of problem-solving characterized by a sudden realization of the solution without trial-and-error processes.

Flashcard #85
Term: Semantics
Definition: The branch of linguistics and philosophy concerned with meaning, including the interpretation of words, phrases, and sentences.

Flashcard #86
Term: Fixation
Definition: The persistent inability to view a problem from a new or different perspective, often hindering problem-solving abilities.

Flashcard #87
Term: Trial and error
Definition: A problem-solving strategy involving testing multiple solutions until a successful one is found.

Flashcard #88
Term: Representativeness heuristic
Definition: A mental shortcut used to estimate the likelihood of an event based on how closely it resembles a typical case.

Flashcard #89
Term: Base rate fallacy
Definition: The cognitive bias whereby people tend to disregard statistical base rates in favor of specific information, leading to incorrect conclusions.

Flashcard #90
Term: Cross-stimulation
Definition: A phenomenon where stimulation in one sensory modality can elicit perceptual experiences in another modality, affecting overall perception.

Flashcard #91
Term: Convergent thinking
Definition: A cognitive process focused on finding the most effective solution to a problem, typically narrowing down multiple possibilities.

Flashcard #92
Term: Fluency in creativity
Definition: The ability to produce a multitude of ideas or solutions within a specific timeframe, enhancing the chances of finding an innovative concept.

Flashcard #93
Term: Originality in creativity
Definition: The capacity to produce ideas that are unique, novel, or unconventional, contributing to the creative process.

Flashcard #94
Term: Mental set
Definition: A cognitive framework or established pattern of thinking resulting from previous experiences, which can inhibit novel problem-solving approaches.

Flashcard #95
Term: Algorithm
Definition: A systematic, step-by-step procedure that guarantees a solution to a problem, often used in mathematical computations and logical reasoning.

Flashcard #96
Term: Autonomic nervous system
Definition: The part of the peripheral nervous system that governs involuntary physiological functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Flashcard #97
Term: Soma
Definition: The cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus and other organelles, serving as the metabolic center of the neuron.

Flashcard #98
Term: Spinal cord
Definition: The major conduit for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body, composed of nerve fibers encased within the vertebral column.

Flashcard #99
Term: Parasympathetic nervous system
Definition: The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system responsible for calming the body and conserving energy following stressful situations.

Flashcard #100
Term: Nerve
Definition: A bundle of axons that transmits signals between the central nervous system and various parts of the body, facilitating communication.

Flashcard #101
Term: Ion channels
Definition: Proteins embedded in cell membranes that facilitate the passage of ions into and out of cells, crucial for generating electrical signals in neurons.

Flashcard #102
Term: Threshold
Definition: The minimum level of stimulus intensity necessary to trigger a response in a sensory neuron, initiating the perception of a stimulus.

Flashcard #103
Term: Synapse
Definition: The junction between two neurons where communication occurs, allowing neurotransmitters to transmit signals across the gap.

Flashcard #104
Term: Formal operational stage
Definition: The stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development (typically starting at age 12) where individuals develop the ability to think abstractly and logically.

Flashcard #105
Term: Preconventional morality
Definition: A stage in moral development where individuals make decisions based on potential rewards or punishments, often seen in children.

Flashcard #106
Term: Mental image
Definition: A mental representation of a sensory experience that can be manipulated and used in thinking and problem-solving.

Flashcard #107
Term: Phonemes and morphemes
Definition: Phonemes are the smallest units of sound in speech, while morphemes are the smallest units of meaning, essential for language structure.

Flashcard #108
Term: Directed thinking
Definition: A structured approach to problem-solving that applies logical reasoning and systematic steps to reach a solution.

Flashcard #109
Term: Undirected thinking
Definition: A free-flowing, spontaneous thought process that does not follow a rigid structure, allowing for creativity and exploration of ideas.

Flashcard #110
Term: Grammar
Definition: The set of rules governing the structure and composition of sentences in a language, including syntax and morphology.

Flashcard #111
Term: Scaffolding in education
Definition: A teaching approach that provides support and guidance to help students build their understanding and skills, gradually removing assistance as they become more proficient.

Flashcard #112
Term: Moral reasoning
Definition: The cognitive process by which individuals determine right and wrong in given situations, influenced by ethical principles and societal norms.

Flashcard #113
Term: Neurogenesis
Definition: The process by which new neurons are formed in the brain, occurring primarily during development and in response to learning and experience.

Flashcard #114
Term: fMRI
Definition: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow.

Flashcard #115
Term: Multimodal integration
Definition: The brain's ability to combine information from different sensory modalities, leading to a more comprehensive perception of the environment.

Flashcard #116
Term: Bottom-up processing
Definition: A perceptual processing approach that analyzes information starting from the sensory input and working up to the brain’s interpretation.

Flashcard #117
Term: Perceptual schema
Definition: A mental framework for organizing and interpreting sensory information that helps individuals understand their surroundings.

Flashcard #118
Term: Selective attention
Definition: The process of consciously focusing awareness on a particular stimulus while ignoring others, allowing for enhanced perception of relevant information.

Flashcard #119
Term: Illusion
Definition: A perceptual phenomenon characterized by a misinterpretation or distortion of sensory input, leading to false perceptions.

Flashcard #120
Term: Perceptual constancy
Definition: The tendency to perceive objects as stable and unchanging despite variations in sensory input, such as lighting or distance.

Flashcard #121
Term: Temporal lobe
Definition: A brain region dedicated to processing auditory information, as well as memory, language comprehension, and emotional responses.

Flashcard #122
Term: Pons
Definition: A brain structure that connects the medulla with other parts of the brain and is involved in regulating sleep and arousal.

Flashcard #123
Term: Subcortex
Definition: The portions of the brain located beneath the cerebral cortex, responsible for various automatic functions and basic survival mechanisms.

Flashcard #124
Term: Limbic system
Definition: A set of interconnected brain structures involved in emotions, memory formation, and motivation, playing a crucial role in emotional responses.

Flashcard #125
Term: Reticular formation
Definition: A network of neurons in the brainstem that plays essential roles in regulating attention, alertness, and arousal levels.

Flashcard #126
Term: Amygdala
Definition: A key brain structure involved in processing emotions, especially fear, and in forming emotional memories.