EXAM 1 STUDY SLIDES

Exam Overview

  • Exam 1 Terms: Key concepts in psychology

  • Perspectives: Various theories and approaches in psychology

  • History/Origin of Psychology: Evolution and milestones in psychology's development

  • Nature vs Nurture: The debate surrounding genetic versus environmental influences

Subfields of Psychology

  • Scientific Method: Systematic approach to investigation, essential for research in psychology

Behavior and Mental Processes

  • Psychology is defined as the scientific study focusing on behavior and mental processes.

  • Critical Thinking: Essential for evaluating both self and external information.

    • Quote: "There is one thing, and only one in the whole universe which we know more about than we could learn from external observation” - C.S. Lewis

Foundational Theories

  • Structuralism (Wundt & Titchener): Focus on breaking down mental processes into the most basic components through introspection.

    • Techniques and limitations of self-reported introspection.

  • Functionalism (William James): Emphasis on how mental processes function to adapt and serve purposes in survival.

  • Nature vs Nurture: Examines the impact of genetics and environment on an individual's behavior.

    • Key element in understanding psychological development and personality.

  • Behaviorism (Watson): Psychology as a science should focus on observable behaviors without delving into mental processes.

Humanistic Psychology

  • Focus on individual growth and fulfillment.

  • Prominent figures: Carl Rogers - emphasized unconditional positive regard in therapeutic settings.

Freudian Psychology

  • Origins in the study of unconscious drives and their conflicts.

Anatomy of the Brain

  • Brain structures relevant to psychology:

    • Limbic System: Emotion and memory

    • Thalamus: Relay center for sensory information

    • Frontal Lobe: Decision making and social behavior

    • Parietal Lobe: Sensation and perception

    • Temporal Lobe: Auditory processing and memory

    • Occipital Lobe: Visual processing

    • Other structures: Amygdala, Pons, Hippocampus, Cerebellum, Medulla, Parahippocampal gyrus.

Theoretical Perspectives

  • Various theoretical perspectives focusing on different aspects of psychology:

    • Biological: Interconnection between body, brain, emotions, memories.

      • Key questions include the nature of neural and blood chemistry effects on moods.

    • Evolutionary: Natural selection and its influence on behavior.

    • Behavior Genetics: Interaction between genetic and environmental influences on behavior and personality.

    • Psychodynamic: Focus on unconscious conflicts and their manifestations in personality.

    • Behavioral: Learning through observable responses and behaviors.

    • Cognitive: Information processing including remembering, reasoning, and problem-solving.

    • Social-Cultural: Impact of societal and cultural influences on behavior.

Psychology Subfields

  • Basic Research: Aims to increase scientific knowledge without immediate application.

  • Applied Research: Focuses on solving practical problems through studied methods.

  • Counseling Psychology: Addresses personal issues and enhances well-being.

  • Clinical Psychology: Involved in assessment and treatment of psychological disorders.

  • Psychiatry: Medical perspective on psychological disorders, including prescription of medication.

  • Community Psychology: Examines social interaction and environment impacts on individuals.

Research Methods

  • Scientific Method: Steps include:

    • Observation/Question

    • Hypothesis formulation

    • Testing with experimentation

    • Analyzing data and drawing conclusions.

Research Methods: Advantages and Limitations

  • Naturalistic Observation:

    • Advantages: Observes behavior in natural settings.

    • Limitations: Observer bias and lack of generalizability.

  • Case Studies:

    • Depth of research but often lacks generalizability and can be time-consuming.

  • Surveys:

    • Can gather vast amounts of data quickly but suffer from sampling errors and biases.

  • Experiments:

    • Manipulation of variables to observe effects. Key terms include:

      • Experimental Group: Receives treatment.

      • Control Group: No treatment, used as a comparison.

      • Random Assignment: Randomly assigning subjects to minimize pre-existing differences.

      • Double-Blind Procedure: Both subjects and researchers unaware of treatment assignments to prevent bias.

Neuron Structure

  • Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and essential life support systems.

  • Dendrites: Branching structures receiving messages.

  • Axon: Transmits messages across neurons.

  • Myelin Sheath: Increases speed of neural transmission.

  • Glial Cells: Support neurons and assist in various brain functions.

Neurotransmission Process

  1. Action Potentials: Electrical impulses travel down axons.

  2. Synapse: Junction where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with receiving neurons.

  3. Reuptake: Process of reabsorbing neurotransmitters or breaking them down by enzymes.

Brain Structure Overview

  • Forebrain, Midbrain, & Hindbrain: Each responsible for various sensory and motor functions along with survival mechanisms.

  • Nervous System Organization:

    • Central Nervous System: Brain and spinal cord.

    • Peripheral Nervous System: Autonomic (regulates internal organs) & Somatic (controls voluntary action).

    • Sympathetic (aroused states) and Parasympathetic (calming states) systems.