Results for "survival of the fittest"

Native Americans Organized by tribe. Geography influences culture for various groups. Northwest Coast Pacific ocean, whales, totem poles, log homes. Southwest Desert and canyons, cliff homes. Great Plains Buffalo, teepee homes made of animal hide. Eastern Woodland Long houses or other wood homes, Iroquois nation, 5 civilized tribes. Farmed the Three Sisters - beans, corn and squash. Animism Religious belief that there are spirits in inanimate objects (mountains, rivers, animals). Columbian Exchange Transfer of biological material (animals, plants and disease) between the New World and Europe during the age of exploration. Jamestown Settled by businessmen from England who sought to make money by growing and selling tobacco. Massachusetts Bay Settled by Puritans from England who were seeking religious freedom for themselves. New England Colonies Influenced by good harbors, abundant forests, rocky soil, and a short growing season. Middle Colonies Culturally diverse, bread-basket because of grain farming. Southern Colonies Provided agricultural products that were processed in the North and in Europe. Triangular Trade Led directly to the increased importation of enslaved Africans to the Western Hemisphere. Middle Passage The journey of slaves from Africa to the new world. British Mercantilism Economic policy used by the British in which the American Colonies served as a source of raw materials and a market to sell goods. French and Indian War Caused by disputed land claims in the Ohio River valley between the French and the British. Virginia House of Burgesses Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Mayflower Compact Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Town Hall Meetings Early colonial efforts in self-government contributing to the development of representative democracy. Albany Plan of Union Early attempt to unify American colonies but under British rule. Declaration of Independence States the colonial grievances against British rule and was written by Thomas Jefferson. John Locke's theory of natural rights Power to govern belongs to the people ('consent of the governed'). Bill of Rights Both documents support limitations on governmental power and stress the importance of individual liberty. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION Many colonists believed they could not be taxed by the British because they had no representatives in the British government, which means that the British did not have the consent of the governed. Thomas Paine Published Common Sense which was influential in persuading American colonists to support colonial independence from Britain. Convinced many Americans who had been undecided about declaring independence from Britain. Response to Mercantilist Policies Committees of Correspondence/Non-importation Agreements/Boston Tea Party First Continental Congress. Sugar and Stamp Acts Tax foreign molasses and printed material. Quartering Act Requires colonists to house and feed British soldiers. Townshend Acts Taxes imported goods and tea. Boston Massacre Five people killed by British soldiers. Revolutionary War Begins shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. American Colonies Win the war and independence with the help of familiar land and foreign aid from France. Mississippi River Became the western boundary of the U.S. at the end of the Revolutionary War. Articles of Confederation First form of government used by the U.S. after independence from Britain. The first plan of union for the original 13 states. Decentralized Political System Power is broken up and divided among many groups, not unified. Problems and Weaknesses of Articles Largely unsuccessful at solving many major problems because most powers remained with the state governments. Congress Depended on the states for men and money to support an army. The federal government could not enforce its laws. States' Powers Had the power to collect taxes, coin money, and control trade. Success of the Articles Provided a system for governing the Western territories and a process for admitting new states to the union. Constitutional Convention (1787) Major American delegates meet in Philadelphia to correct the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Shays' Rebellion (1786) Significant because it convinced many Americans of the need for a stronger national government. Exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Bicameral Legislature Created a legislature with two houses that write and vote on laws. Three-Fifths Compromise Determined that 3/5 of the slave population would be counted for representation in the House. U.S. Constitution A statement of rules and procedures for governing the U.S. Sovereignty Derived from the consent of the governed (only the citizens give the government the power to rule). Democracy A government for the people by the people. A democracy must have citizen participation in government. Democratic Government A government characterized by a free and open election process. Republican Government A government in which representatives are elected by the people. Division of Power The concept included in the Constitution to prevent unlimited government power through federalism, checks & balances, and separation of powers. Federalism The division of powers between the national and state government. Legislative Branch The branch of government that includes Congress (House of Representatives and Senate) which proposes, writes, votes on laws, and approves treaties. Executive Branch The branch of government that includes the President of the U.S. and his cabinet. Judicial Branch The branch of government that includes federal courts and the Supreme Court. Marbury v. Madison A landmark case that established judicial review and strengthened the Judiciary branch of the U.S. Checks & Balances A system where each branch of government checks the others to ensure no one branch has too much power. Impeachment The process by which the President can be removed from office by trial conducted by Congress. Veto The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress. Override of Veto The process by which Congress can pass a bill despite a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds vote of both houses. Elastic Clause A clause that allows Congress to pass laws necessary and proper to fulfill its duties, broadening its power. Judicial Review The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional. Electoral College The body that elects the President of the U.S. based on electoral votes from each state, not a popular vote. George Washington The first President of the U.S. who set precedents for future presidents and issued the Proclamation of Neutrality. Whiskey Rebellion A rebellion in western Pennsylvania against a new excise tax, which Washington suppressed using state militia. Farewell Address A speech by Washington urging the U.S. to avoid European conflicts and alliances. Louisiana Purchase (1803) The acquisition of the Louisiana Territory by Thomas Jefferson, which contradicted his strict interpretation of the Constitution. Mississippi River Control The goal of the Louisiana Purchase to secure U.S. control of the Mississippi River for trade. Ohio River Valley The region whose farmers gained the greatest economic benefit from the Louisiana Purchase. Westward Expansion The focus of the U.S. following the Louisiana Purchase, promoting settlement and development of western territories. Articles of Confederation The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak federal government. Washington's Precedents The traditions and practices established by George Washington during his presidency. Constitutional Convention The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where the U.S. Constitution was created. Shays Rebellion An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers in Massachusetts protesting economic injustices. US Constitution The supreme law of the United States, establishing the framework of government. Great Compromise The agreement that established a bicameral legislature in the U.S. Congress; Settled a dispute over state representation in national Congress. ⅗ compromise The agreement that slaves would count as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. Commerce Compromise The agreement that allowed Congress to regulate commerce but prohibited export taxes. Bill of Rights The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties. Federalists/Antifederalists Federalists supported the Constitution; Antifederalists opposed it, fearing too much central power. 3 branches of government The division of government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Checks and Balances A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful. Louisiana Purchase The 1803 acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States. Loose/strict constructionists Loose constructionists interpret the Constitution broadly; strict constructionists interpret it narrowly. Indian Removal The policy of relocating Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River. Civilization The process of assimilating Native Americans into American culture. Trail of Tears The forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands, resulting in thousands of deaths. Worcester v. Georgia A Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of Native Americans but was not enforced by Jackson. Andrew Jackson The seventh President of the United States known for his populist policies and Indian removal. Manifest Destiny The belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent. Cotton Gin A machine that quickly and efficiently removes seeds from cotton fibers. Missouri Compromise An agreement passed in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Compromise of 1850 A package of five separate bills passed by the United States Congress to defuse a political confrontation between slave and free states. Abolitionists Individuals who advocated for the immediate end of slavery in the United States. Kansas Nebraska Act A law that allowed voters in Kansas and Nebraska to choose whether to allow slavery, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise. Dred Scott v Sanford An 1857 Supreme Court case that ruled that African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress had no authority to prohibit slavery in federal territories. Bleeding Kansas A series of violent political confrontations in the United States involving anti-slavery and pro-slavery elements in Kansas. Uncle Tom's Cabin An anti-slavery novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe published in 1852 that depicted the harsh realities of slavery. Underground Railroad A network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. Horace Mann An American educational reformer who promoted public education and is known as the 'Father of the American Public School System.' Seneca Falls Convention The first women's rights convention held in 1848, which launched the women's suffrage movement in the United States. 2nd Great Awakening A Protestant religious revival during the early 19th century in the United States that emphasized individual piety and a personal relationship with God. Temperance A social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Civil War A conflict from 1861 to 1865 between the Northern states (Union) and Southern states (Confederate States) over issues including states' rights and slavery. Abraham Lincoln The 16th President of the United States who led the country during the Civil War and worked to end slavery. Emancipation Proclamation An executive order issued by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 that declared the freedom of all slaves in Confederate-held territory. Reasons for North (Union) Victory The North was better prepared economically, had more human resources, and superior war material. Reconstruction Era The period following the Civil War during which the Southern states were reorganized and reintegrated into the Union. Lincoln's Plan for Reconstruction Aimed to restore Southern representation in Congress and offered amnesty to Confederates who swore allegiance to the U.S. Radical Republicans A faction of the Republican Party that sought to impose harsh penalties on the Southern states and promote civil rights for freed slaves. Andrew Johnson The 17th President of the United States who succeeded Abraham Lincoln and oversaw the early years of Reconstruction. Reconstruction A policy supported by Lincoln to allow Southern States to reenter the nation as quickly as possible. Radical Republicans Members of Congress who disagreed with Johnson about how to handle Reconstruction, leading to Johnson's impeachment. Impeachment of Johnson Johnson was impeached for firing Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton without Senate approval, but the impeachment failed. 13th Amendment Law that formally abolished slavery in the U.S. in 1865. 14th Amendment Law that officially gave citizenship to African Americans and legally protected them under the Bill of Rights and U.S. Constitution. 15th Amendment Law that granted African Americans voting rights. Poll Taxes Fees collected by Southern States to restrict African Americans from exercising their voting rights. Literacy Tests Requirements imposed by Southern States to limit African Americans' voting rights. Jim Crow Laws Laws enacted in the 1870s and 1880s to restrict the freedoms of African Americans after the Civil War. Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case in 1896 that upheld Jim Crow Laws based on 'separate but equal' public facilities for African Americans. Black Codes Laws aimed at restricting the rights of former slaves and limiting the effectiveness of the 14th and 15th amendments. Ku Klux Klan Group that attempted to restrict the rights of former slaves. Sharecropping System of farming in Southern States after the Civil War that kept former slaves economically dependent on farms. New South Term describing changes in the Southern economy, including industrial development and agricultural diversification. Sectionalism The division between the North and South that contributed to tensions leading up to the Civil War. Gilded Age Period marked by economic growth and industrialization in the U.S. Industrial Revolution Causes Factors such as capital, labor supply, Erie Canal, and transcontinental railroads that contributed to industrial growth. Mechanization of Agriculture The use of machines in farming that led to an increase in production. Effects of Industrial Revolution Challenges for smaller industries, development of monopolies, widening economic gap, and increased immigration. Social Darwinism Theory which believed that the growth of large business at the expense of others was merely survival of the fittest (the stronger businesses will succeed and the weaker one will fail). Laissez-faire Capitalism Economic policy which argues that government should limit any interference in the economy (the government should leave the economy alone). Rise of Big Business (1865-1900) Federal Government followed laissez-faire economic policy. Trusts and monopolies were created by entrepreneurs to maintain control of the market. Robber Baron Term used during the Gilded Age to characterize leaders of big business who used ruthless tactics when dealing with competitors. Gilded Age Mark Twain labeled the late 1800's ________ to describe the extremes of wealth and poverty (big differences between the rich and the poor). Urbanization Rural (countryside) residents move to urban (inner city) areas in search of jobs. Size of cities increase. How the Other Half Lives Book by Jacob Riis that exposed the living conditions of urban slums (working-class, inner-city neighborhoods). Working Conditions Rapid industrial growth leads to shift from rural to urban lifestyle, widespread use of child labor, and growth of tenements & slums. Immigration Many immigrants traveling to the U.S. settled in urban areas in the North because rapid industrialization created many job opportunities. New Immigrants Came primarily from southern and eastern Europe (Ex: Italy & Russia) between 1890-1915. Were culturally different from the earlier immigrants. Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) Limited the number of Chinese immigrants entering the U.S. An example of Nativism. Nativists Group of Americans who were angry about Immigrants taking jobs from Americans and working for cheaper wages. Trust Titans Business leaders who controlled large monopolies and trusts. Philanthropy The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the donation of money to good causes. Gospel of Wealth Philosophy that wealthy individuals have a responsibility to use their wealth for the greater good of society. Industrial Revolution Period of major industrialization that took place during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Monopolies/trusts Entities that dominate a market and restrict competition. Gentlemen's Agreement Informal agreement between the U.S. and Japan that restricted Japanese immigration. America Expands Between the 1890's and the start of World War I (1914), the U.S. expanded its access to overseas markets and raw materials through the policy of imperialism. Reasons for Imperialism Due to the expansion of American industry during the 1800's, the U.S. needed to obtain raw materials and new markets. Dollar Diplomacy Attempted to increase the U.S. power in Latin America, indicating a U.S. desire to interact with foreign countries in ways that were profitable to U.S. corporations. Economic Nationalism U.S. practices economic nationalism by implementing protective tariffs to help American industry. Protective Tariff A tax on foreign products making them more expensive so people will buy American products instead. Open Door Policy (1899-1900) Issued in order to secure equal trade opportunities in China and guarantee access to its markets. Annexation of Hawaii U.S. annexes (takes over) Hawaii and the Philippines. Spanish American War A conflict in 1898 that resulted in the U.S. obtaining overseas colonies and being recognized as a world power. Yellow Journalism Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst used yellow journalism to generate public support for the Spanish American War. Panama Canal Built as a result of the Spanish American War to allow quicker movement between oceans for trade and military security. Progressive Movement A movement to correct the economic and social abuses of industrial society, supporting consumer protection, women's suffrage, and other reforms. Progressives Believed the government needs to regulate big business to protect consumers and workers, opposing the Laissez-faire attitude. Jane Adams A prominent social reformer and activist during progressive era, who established settlement houses that provided assistance to the poor. W.E.B. Du Bois Formed the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to end segregation and win equal rights. Booker T. Washington Believed that African Americans should pursue education as the key to improving social status and founded a vocational training institution. Labor Union An organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer for better working conditions, benefits, and pay. Clayton Antitrust Act Made unions legal, allowing them to organize and improve conditions. Collective Bargaining Discussions between labor union leaders and management to agree on a contract for workers. Wagner Act (1935) Legalized collective bargaining. Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire A tragedy where many women workers were killed in a factory fire, drawing national attention to worker safety. Samuel Gompers The person who founded the AFL; Organized workers into unions to strive for better conditions and pay. American Federation of Labor The first long-lasting, successful labor union in the U.S., focusing on the rights of skilled workers. Pure Food & Drug Act (1906) Law that provided federal inspection of meat products and forbade unsafe food products and poisonous medicines. Meat Inspection Act Created sanitary standards established for slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Muckraker Writers during the progressive era that exposed social ills of inner cities, factory conditions, and political corruption. The Jungle A publication by Upton Sinclair that led Congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act. Upton Sinclair An author known for his muckraking work, particularly The Jungle. Ida M Tarbell A muckraker who focused on issues including the monopoly of Standard Oil. Lincoln Steffens A muckraker who exposed political corruption in cities. Jacob Riis A muckraker known for his work How the Other Half Lives. Booker T Washington An African American educator and leader who advocated for vocational training. WEB Dubois An African American sociologist and civil rights activist who co-founded the NAACP. Nativism A political policy favoring the interests of established inhabitants over those of immigrants. Labor Unions Organizations formed by workers to advocate for better working conditions and wages. Collective bargaining The negotiation process between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements. Triangle Shirtwaist Fire A tragic industrial disaster that highlighted the need for better workplace safety regulations. AFL The American Federation of Labor, a national federation of labor unions in the United States. Plessy v Fergusun A landmark Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine. Woodrow Wilson The 28th President of the United States who led the nation during World War I. Neutrality A policy of not taking sides in a conflict, adopted by Wilson at the beginning of World War I. Unrestricted submarine warfare A type of naval warfare in which submarines sink vessels without warning. Espionage Act A law enacted in 1917 to prohibit interference with military operations or support for U.S. enemies. Sedition Act A law that made it a crime to criticize the government during World War I. Schenck v. U.S. A Supreme Court case that ruled that freedom of speech could be limited during wartime. Fourteen Points A statement of principles proposed by President Wilson to govern the postwar world. League of Nations An international organization established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation. Isolationism A foreign policy of avoiding involvement in international conflicts, followed by the U.S. in the 1920s and 30s. Treaty of Versailles Congress refuses to sign the Treaty of Versailles because many Senators objected to the U.S. membership in the League of Nations, fearing that it would pull the U.S. into another major war. Washington Naval Conferences Attempts by the U.S. to achieve peace and arms control in the decade after WWI. Kellog-Briand Pact Attempts by the U.S. to achieve peace and arms control in the decade after WWI. Bolshevik Revolution Communist takeover of Russia in 1917 increased nativism leading to the Red Scare (fear of Communism in the U.S. following WWI). Immigration quota acts of 1921 & 1924 Restricted the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe due to a recurrence of nativist attitudes following WWI. 19th Amendment Women were granted the right to vote during the Progressive Era (1917). Women's suffrage The national effort to ratify women's suffrage was strengthened by the economic opportunities created by World War I. Major female leaders of the women's rights movement Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott. Roaring Twenties The 1920's are called the 'Roaring Twenties' because of widespread social and economic change and changing cultural values. Prohibition Law authorized by the 18th Amendment that banned the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Sacco and Vanzetti Two immigrant anarchists who were convicted of murder and executed with very little evidence during the height of the Red Scare. Scopes Trial John Scopes was convicted in 1925 for teaching about evolution, illustrating a conflict concerning religious beliefs and scientific theories. Harlem Renaissance African American authors and artists used literature and art to celebrate the richness of their heritage. Flappers Women during the 1920's that rejected traditional feminine roles and refused to conform to society's expectations. Henry Ford Use of the assembly line in the production of automobiles led directly to a decrease in the cost of automobiles. Economic growth during the 1920's Development of many new consumer goods led to rapid economic growth. Automobiles, radio, and motion pictures Standardized American culture and influenced what people considered to be 'American culture'. Red Scare A period of intense fear of Communism in the U.S. following WWI. Cultural conflict in the 1920s Illustrated by the Scopes Trial and the Harlem Renaissance, reflecting tensions between traditional values and modern ideas. Consumer Culture Emergence of a culture where buying is encouraged by advertising and installment payments. Installment Buying Paying for something a little at a time rather than all at once. Stock Speculation Heavy increases in stock investments driven by a belief in never-ending prosperity. Government's Role in the Economy (1920s) Prevailing view that the government should interfere as little as possible. Warren G. Harding President who called for 'a return to normalcy' and advocated for reduced international involvement and less government regulation of business. Calvin Coolidge President who believed the economy functions best if government allows business to operate freely. Overproduction of Farm Crops Demand for American farm goods dropped dramatically during the 1920s due to decreased European need for imports. Dust Bowl Environmental disaster caused by over-farming and severe drought, leading to increased westward migration. Stock Market Crash of 1929 Considered the start of the Great Depression, largely caused by speculators buying stocks on margin. Decline in Farm Prosperity A significant decrease in the economic well-being of farmers during the Great Depression. Overproduction and Underconsumption Situation where U.S. businesses produced more products than the population could buy, leading to low consumer demand. Global Financial Interdependence Evidence that economies worldwide are interconnected; if one falls, they all fall. Herbert Hoover President of the U.S. at the start of the Great Depression, whose policies favored big business. Hoovervilles Nickname for poor communities due to Hoover's refusal to provide direct federal aid to the homeless. Bonus Army WWI veterans who marched on Washington demanding payment for their services. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) President who won an easy victory over Hoover in 1932, advocating for government intervention in economic problems. Court Packing FDR's proposal to increase the size of the Supreme Court to make it favorable to New Deal laws. Deficit Spending Used by FDR to stimulate economic growth. FDR Reelected to 3rd Term Controversial event in 1940 as it challenged the tradition of presidents stepping down after two terms. FDR's reelection to 3rd term Eventually led to the establishment of presidential term limits. New Deal Most immediate goal was to provide work for the unemployed. Public works jobs Tried to stimulate economic recovery by creating public works jobs. Social welfare programs Were expanded during the New Deal. Government involvement Increased government involvement with both business and labor. Agricultural Adjustment Acts Designed to increase prices of farm products by reducing farm output. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Created in 1933 to improve economic conditions in a poor rural region. Social Security Act 1935 Considered an important program because it extended support to elderly/retired citizens. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Tried to restore public confidence in banks by safeguarding savings. Bank holiday (1933) Declared to restore confidence in the nation's banks. WPA Intended to help unemployed workers. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Intended to help unemployed workers. National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) Strengthened labor unions by legalizing collective bargaining. Opposition to New Deal The strongest opposition came from business leaders. Laissez-Faire The tradition that government shouldn't interfere with the economy. Critics of the New Deal Claimed the TVA and Social Security System threatened the U.S. economy by applying socialist principles. Impact of New Deal Raised national debt and expanded the power of the Federal Government. Political thinking change Supported the idea that the government should become more involved in the social and economic life of the people. WWII start Started when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. U.S. Neutrality In the 1930's, the primary objective was to avoid involvement in Asian and European conflicts. Neutrality Acts Passed in mid 1930's to avoid mistakes that led to WWI. Lend-Lease Act Efforts to help the Allies without formally declaring war. Bombing of Pearl Harbor Brought the U.S. directly into World War II. Totalitarian aggression The U.S. became involved to fight totalitarian aggression from Germany, Italy, and Japan. D-Day Invasion June 1944- Important to the outcome of WWII because it opened a new Allied front in Europe (Germany had to fight enemies from the East and West instead of just the East). Key challenge faced by the U.S. during WWII Fighting the war on several fronts (Europe and Asia). U.S. and Soviet Union cooperation during WWII Supports the idea that alliances are built upon mutual self-interest (the U.S. and Soviet Union were enemies but formed an alliance because they were both enemies with Germany). 1944 election of FDR Can be attributed to the unwillingness of voters to change leadership during a major crisis. FDR's personal diplomacy during WWII Strengthened the President's role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Women in wartime industries Women replaced men in essential wartime industries. Economic opportunities for women during WWII Expanded for women. Post-war job situation for women Many working women left their factory jobs because they were forced to give up their jobs to returning war veterans. Migration of African Americans during WWII More African Americans migrated to large cities because industry was expanding. GI Bill (1944) Extended educational and housing opportunities to war veterans. Provided federal funds for veterans to attend college. Rationing during WWII Ordered by the U.S. government to conserve raw materials for the war effort. Funding WWII The U.S. government relied heavily on the sale of war bonds (lends from citizens to help fund the war. Also contributed to the national debt). Economic impact of WWII on the U.S. Accelerated its recovery from the Great Depression. Korematsu v. U.S. The U.S. government considered Japanese Americans a threat to national security during WWII, causing them to place Japanese Americans in confinement in internment camps. Supreme Court ruling on Japanese internment Said that the removal of Japanese Americans from their homes was constitutional because this type of action was necessary during a national emergency. Wartime conditions and civil liberties Supreme Court ruled that wartime conditions justified limitations being placed on civil liberties. Impact of WWII on Japanese Americans Many Japanese lost their homes and businesses. President Harry Truman's decision on atomic bombs Decided to drop atomic bombs on Japan (Hiroshima & Nagasaki). Truman's use of atomic weapons Decided to use atomic weapons against Japan in order to end the war while limiting the loss of American lives. Truman's impact on civil rights Advanced the cause of civil rights for African Americans by ordering the desegregation of the Armed Forces (Black and White troops fight together and are no longer separated). Truman Doctrine Originally designed to contain communism by giving aid to Greece and Turkey (later expanded by Eisenhower). Truman and General MacArthur Relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his command in the Korean conflict because General MacArthur challenged the concept of civilian control over the military. Loyalty checks during Truman's presidency Required loyalty checks due to the fear of communist influence in government. Nuremberg Trials Held to make German leaders accountable for the Holocaust (mass genocide against Jews and other minorities). Established the principle that leaders of a nation may be held accountable (put on trial) for crimes against humanity/ war crimes. United Nations Replaced the League of Nations in order to prevent international disputes from escalating into major wars. Marshall Plan (1948-1952) U.S. provided economic aid in order to help Europe's economic recovery after WWII. U.S. foreign policy after WWII Changed as the U.S. became more involved in world affairs. Eleanor Roosevelt's contribution Helped create the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Post-WWII economic growth In the decade after WWII, rapid growth in personal income contributed to the expansion of the middle class. Appeasement A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions to an aggressor. African Americans in WW2 Refers to the contributions and experiences of African Americans during World War II. Rosie the Riveter A cultural icon representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II; used as a poster in order to recruit women Japanese Internment The forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Rationing The controlled distribution of scarce resources, goods, or services during wartime. Pearl Harbor The site of the surprise military attack by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, leading the U.S. to enter WWII. War Bonds Debt securities issued by a government to finance military operations during times of war. Manhattan Project A secret U.S. project during World War II that developed the first nuclear weapons. Desegregation of the Military The process of eliminating racial segregation within the United States Armed Forces. United Nations (UN) An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries. Selective Service The system by which men are registered for military conscription in the United States. Lend Lease A U.S. program during WWII that supplied Allied nations with vast amounts of war material. NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance formed in 1949 for mutual defense against aggression. Cold War An era of political tension and military rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet Union from 1946 to 1989. Baby Boom A significant increase in the birth rate following WWII, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Iron Curtain The boundary dividing Europe into two separate areas of political influence during the Cold War. Sputnik Launch The 1957 launch of the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union, marking the start of the space race. Containment A U.S. policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism during the Cold War. Berlin Airlift The U.S. operation to supply West Berlin after the Soviet blockade in 1948-1949. McCarthy Era A period of intense anti-communist suspicion in the U.S. during the early 1950s. Senator Joseph McCarthy A U.S. senator known for leading the anti-communist witch hunts during the McCarthy Era. McCarthyism The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence. Korean War A conflict from 1950 to 1953 between Communist North Korea and South Korea, supported by the U.S. and UN. United Nations military force First time the United Nations used military force to oppose aggression. General Douglas MacArthur Relieved of command in the Korean War for threatening civilian control of the military. Presidential wartime powers Expanded during the Korean War. Outcome of the Korean War Korea continued to be a divided nation. Vietnam War Civil war between Communist North Vietnam and U.S.-backed South Vietnam. Domino Theory Idea that if one country falls to communism, others around it will as well. Vietnam War protests Significant protests in the U.S. including Berkeley demonstrations and Kent State protest. 26th Amendment Lowered the voting age to 18 as a result of U.S. participation in the Vietnam War. War Powers Act 1973 Limited the president's ability to send troops into combat abroad. Public opinion on foreign policy Showed that foreign policy can be altered by public opinion. Trust in government Greater public distrust of governmental policies post-Vietnam War. Military technology and victory U.S. experience in the Vietnam War showed that superior military technology does not guarantee victory. Peace Corps Established by President John F. Kennedy to support developing nations. Bay of Pigs Invasion 1961 Kennedy's effort to remove Fidel Castro from power in Cuba, considered his most significant foreign policy failure. Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 Soviet Union placed nuclear weapons in Cuba; Kennedy imposed a naval blockade. Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Negotiated by Kennedy to limit nuclear testing following the Cuban Missile Crisis. New Frontier Kennedy's program that expanded the U.S. space program. Détente Policy to ease tensions between the U.S. and Soviet Union. Strategic Arms Limitations Talks (SALT) Part of the presidential policy of détente aimed at reducing world tensions. Nixon's visit to China 1972 Attempt to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Communist China. Watergate Scandal Break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters leading to Nixon's resignation. Trust in elected officials Undermined as a lasting effect of the Watergate scandal. Executive privilege Weakened as a result of the Watergate scandal. Nixon (1974) Supreme Court case that directly limited the president's power of executive. Civil Rights Movement Movement to end segregation based on race during the 1960's. Civil Disobedience Nonviolent attempts to oppose segregation, such as lunch counter sit-ins and freedom riders. Jackie Robinson Broke color barrier in Major League Baseball. President Truman's Executive Order Desegregated armed forces. NAACP National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, focused on higher education, full political participation, and continued support for civil rights. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Required the integration (desegregation) of all public schools in the U.S. and overturned Plessy v. Ferguson ruling. Eisenhower's Federal Troops Sent into Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957 to enforce a Supreme Court decision to desegregate public schools. Martin Luther King Jr. Leader of the civil rights movement during the 1960's, advocated for nonviolent protest. Malcolm X Civil rights leader during 1950's and 60's that advocated black separatism. Rosa Parks Practiced civil disobedience by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Civil Rights Act 1964 Passed to correct racial and gender discrimination and ended Jim Crow laws. Voting Rights Act 1965 Removed the literacy test as a voting qualification to eliminate racial barriers within voting. Affirmative Action Programs Main goal is to promote economic gains for minorities and women. Fair Housing Act Government efforts to end discrimination against various groups. Americans with Disabilities Act Government efforts to end discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Chief Justice Earl Warren Followed a policy of judicial activism and expanded individual rights in criminal cases. Supply-Side Economics Lowered tax rates on personal and business income and supported economic changes favoring big business. Trickle Down Economics Believed that economic growth depends on making increased amounts of capital available to business. National Debt in the 1980s Increased greatly due to the Federal Government's reliance on deficit spending. Reagan's Federal Budget Proposals Came under criticism for including very large deficits. Involvement in World Affairs in the 1980s Based on a concern for advancing the nation's self-interest. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Increased commerce and eliminated tariffs. Encouraged countries to participate in the global economy. Reflected the U.S. commitment to globalization. Persian Gulf War A direct result was that the U.S. liberated Kuwait from Iraqi control. Election of 2000 George Bush won even though Al Gore received more popular votes, because of the way the Electoral College votes came out. USA Patriot Act Increased government surveillance of citizens, increased cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence. War on Terror War in Afghanistan against Taliban and Al Qaeda. War in Iraq Saddam Hussein accused of having WMD's and wouldn't allow inspection. Barrack Obama First African-American elected to the Presidency. Obamacare Passed major health insurance reform package. September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Rise of the Tea Party Extreme right wing conservatives opposed to most government spending. Supply-side economics Economic theory that advocates reducing taxes and decreasing regulation to stimulate economic growth. George Bush Committed U.S. troops to the Persian Gulf War to assure the flow of Middle East oil to the U.S. and its allies. Bill Clinton Supported NAFTA because it would stimulate economic growth in the U.S. U.S. troops in Haiti and Bosnia Sent during the 1990's to stop conflicts within those nations. Bombing of Kosovo Participated in 1999 because of human rights violations. Economic stimulus package Passed by Barrack Obama to prop up the economy. Withdrawal of American troops Began from Iraq and Afghanistan under Barrack Obama. Mission to find Osama bin Laden Ordered by Barrack Obama that resulted in the killing of Al Qaeda leader.

Perception The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information to give meaning to our environment. Bottom-up processing An approach where perception starts with sensory input and works up to the brain's integration of this information. Top-down processing Information processing guided by higher-level mental processes, drawing on experience and expectations to construct perceptions. Schema A concept or framework that organizes and interprets information. Perceptual set A mental predisposition to perceive one thing and not another. Gestalt psychology Emphasizes that we often perceive the whole rather than the sum of the parts. Closure The perceptual tendency to mentally fill in gaps in a visual image to perceive objects as wholes. Figure and ground The organization of the visual field into objects (figures) that stand out from their surroundings (ground). Proximity The perceptual tendency to group together visual and auditory events that are near each other. Similarity The perceptual tendency to group together elements that seem alike. Attention The focusing of mental resources on select information. Selective attention The focusing of conscious awareness on a particular stimulus. Cocktail party effect The ability to focus auditory attention on a particular stimulus while filtering out other stimuli. Inattentional blindness Failing to see visible objects when attention is directed elsewhere. Change Blindness Failing to notice changes in the environment. Binocular depth cues Depth cues, such as retinal disparity, that depend on the use of two eyes. Retinal disparity A binocular cue for perceiving depth by comparing images from the retinas in the two eyes. Convergence A binocular cue for perceiving depth by the extent to which the eyes converge inward when looking at an object. Monocular depth cues Depth cues, such as interposition and linear perspective, available to either eye alone. Relative clarity A monocular cue for perceiving depth; hazy objects are seen as farther away than sharp, clear objects. Relative size A cue that allows determining the closeness of objects to an object of known size. Texture gradient A gradual change from coarse to fine texture signaling increasing distance. Linear perspective Parallel lines appear to converge with distance. Aptitude tests Tests designed to predict a person's future performance; aptitude is the capacity to learn. Fixed mindset The idea that we have a set amount of an ability that cannot change. Growth mindset The belief that one's skills and qualities can change and improve through effort and dedication. Explicit memory Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and 'declare.' Episodic memory The collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place. Semantic memory Memory for factual information. Implicit memory Retention independent of conscious recollection. Procedural memory A type of long-term memory of how to perform different actions and skills. Prospective memory Remembering to perform a planned action or recall a planned intention at some future point in time. Long-term potentiation An increase in a cell's firing potential after brief, rapid stimulation. Believed to be a neural basis for learning and memory. Working memory model A model that suggests that memory involves a series of active, temporary memory stores that manipulate information. Working memory A newer understanding of short-term memory that involves conscious, active processing of incoming auditory and visual-spatial information, and of information retrieved from long-term memory. Central executive The part of working memory that directs attention and processing. Phonological loop The part of working memory that holds and processes verbal and auditory information. Visuospatial sketchpad The part of working memory that holds visual and spatial information. Multi-store model A model of memory that suggests information passes through three stages: sensory memory, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Sensory memory The immediate, very brief recording of sensory information in the memory system. Iconic memory A momentary sensory memory of visual stimuli; a photographic or picture-image memory lasting no more than a few tenths of a second. Echoic memory A momentary sensory memory of auditory stimuli; if attention is elsewhere, sounds and words can still be recalled within 3 or 4 seconds. Short-Term Memory Activated memory that holds a few items briefly before the information is stored or forgotten. Long-Term Memory The relatively permanent and limitless storehouse of the memory system. Includes knowledge, skills, and experiences. Automatic processing Unconscious encoding of incidental information, such as space, time, and frequency, and of well-learned information. Effortful processing Encoding that requires attention and conscious effort. Encoding The processing of information into the memory system—for example, by extracting meaning. Storage The retention of encoded information over time. Retrieval The process of getting information out of memory storage. Levels of processing model The theory that deeper levels of processing result in longer-lasting memory codes. Shallow encoding Processing information based on its surface characteristics. Deep encoding Processing information based on its meaning and the significance of the information. Mnemonic devices Memory aids, especially those techniques that use vivid imagery and organizational devices. Method of loci A mnemonic device that involves imagining placing items around a room or along a route. Chunking-Grouping Organizing items into familiar, manageable units; often occurs automatically. Categories-Grouping Grouping information into categories that share common attributes. Hierarchies-Grouping Organizing items into a hierarchy, starting with general categories and working down to specific examples. Spacing effect The tendency for distributed study or practice to yield better long-term retention than is achieved through massed study or practice. Massed practice Cramming information all at once. It is less effective than spaced practice. Distributed practice Spacing the study of material to be remembered by including breaks between study periods. Serial position effect Our tendency to recall best the last and first items in a list. Primacy effect The tendency to remember information at the beginning of a body of information better than the information that follows. Recency effect The tendency to remember information that is presented last. Maintenance rehearsal Repeating information over and over to keep it active in short-term memory. Elaborative rehearsal A method of transferring information from short-term to long-term memory by making that information meaningful in some way. Memory retention The ability to retain information over time through the storage and retrieval of information. Autobiographical memory The memory for events and facts related to one's personal life story. Retrograde amnesia An inability to retrieve information from one's past. Anterograde amnesia An inability to form new memories. Alzheimer's disease A progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and, finally, physical functioning. Infantile amnesia The inability to retrieve memories from much before age 3. Recall A measure of memory in which the person must retrieve information learned earlier, as on a fill-in-the-blank test. Recognition A measure of memory in which the person need only identify items previously learned, as on a multiple-choice test. Retrieval cues Stimuli that aid the recall or recognition of information stored in memory. Context-dependent memory The theory that information learned in a particular situation or place is better remembered when in that same situation or place. Mood-congruent memory The tendency to recall experiences that are consistent with one's current good or bad mood. State-dependent memory The theory that information learned in a particular state of mind (e.g., drunk, sober) is more easily recalled when in that same state of mind. The forgetting curve A graph showing retention and forgetting over time. Encoding failure The failure to process information into memory. Proactive interference The disruptive effect of prior learning on the recall of new information. Retroactive interference The disruptive effect of new learning on the recall of old information. Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon The temporary inability to remember something you know, accompanied by a feeling that it's just out of reach. Repression The basic defense mechanism that banishes from consciousness anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories. Misinformation effect Incorporating misleading information into one's memory of an event. Source amnesia Attributing to the wrong source an event we have experienced, heard about, read about, or imagined. Constructive memory The process by which memories are influenced by the meaning we give to events. Memory consolidation The neural storage of a long-term memory. Imagination inflation The increased confidence in a false memory of an event following repeated imagination of the event. Health Psychology A branch of psychology that focuses on how physical activities, psychological traits, and social relationships affect overall health and illness. Stress The process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors, that we appraise as threatening or challenging. Hypertension High blood pressure, often associated with stress, which can increase the risk of heart and kidney diseases and stroke. Immune Suppression Reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system, which can be caused by various forms of stress. Stressors Events or conditions in your surroundings that may trigger stress. Daily Hassles Everyday minor events that cause stress, such as traffic jams or overwhelming chores. Significant Life Changes Major life transitions like moving, leaving a job, or divorcing, which can be stressful. Catastrophes Unpredictable, large-scale events that cause significant stress and alter the lives of many people. Eustress (motivating) Positive stress which results from striving toward a challenging goal. Distress (debilitating) Negative stress that can make a person sick or keep a person from reaching a goal. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being. General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) The three-stage process (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) that describes the physiological changes the body goes through when under stress. Alarm Reaction Phase The initial reaction to a stressor, activating the body's defense systems. Resistance Phase The body's response after the initial shock of a stressful event, where the body attempts to return to normal functioning. Flight-Fight-Freeze Response A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. Exhaustion Phase The third stage of the GAS, during which the body depletes its resources in responding to a prolonged stressor. Tend-and-Befriend Theory A theory that suggests people seek social support and tend to others in times of stress. Problem-focused Coping Strategies aimed at tackling the cause of stress in practical ways which directly tackle the problem causing the stress. Emotion-focused Coping Strategies aimed at relieving or managing the emotional distress associated with stress. Positive Psychology The scientific study of human strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Subjective Well-being An individual's own assessment of their happiness and satisfaction with life. Resilience The ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Posttraumatic Growth Positive psychological change experienced as a result of adversity and other challenges in order to rise to a higher level of functioning. Positive Emotions Feelings that engage us, elevate us, and promote growth and well-being. Gratitude A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation, especially in response to someone doing something kind or helpful. Signature Strengths & Virtues Character strengths and virtues that are personally fulfilling, intrinsic to one's identity, and contribute to the collective well-being. Categories of Virtues Broad categories that encompass character strengths, such as wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Abnormal Psychology The study of psychological disorders, including their symptoms, etiology (i.e., their causes), and treatment. Clinical Psychology A branch of psychology that studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders. Psychology Student Syndrome A phenomenon where psychology students begin to believe they have the disorders they are studying. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) The updated manual that describes and categorizes mental disorders in order to improve diagnoses, treatment, and research. International Classification of Mental Disorders (ICD) A standard diagnostic tool for epidemiology, health management, and clinical purposes. It is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO) and covers a broad range of health conditions, including psychological conditions. Deviation In psychology, typically refers to departing from the norm, which can either be statistical, social, or functional in nature. Distress Negative stress that can lead to anxiety, depression, and potentially to physical problems. Dysfunction Abnormal functioning, as opposed to normal functioning, often used to refer to individual behaviors or the functioning of social systems. Eclectic Approach An approach to clinical practice that involves selecting the best treatment techniques from various disciplines based on the client's unique problems, strengths, and preferences. Behavioral Perspective Focuses on how we learn observable responses and how the environment impacts those responses. Psychodynamic Perspective Emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior and the importance of childhood experiences. Humanistic Perspective Focuses on the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. Cognitive Perspective Focuses on how we encode, process, store, and retrieve information. Evolutionary Perspective How the natural selection of traits promotes the perpetuation of one's genes. Sociocultural Perspective Examines how the social environments and cultural upbringing influence an individual's behavior and thoughts. Biological Perspective Explores the links between brain and mind, and how the body and brain enable emotions, memories, and sensory experiences. Biopsychosocial Model An integrated approach that incorporates biological, psychological, and social-cultural levels of analysis to better understand health and illness. Diathesis-Stress Model Suggests that a person may be predisposed for a psychological disorder that remains unexpressed until triggered by stress. Stigma Disapproval or discrimination against a person based on perceivable social characteristics that serve to distinguish them from other members of society. Anxiety Disorders Mental health disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear. Specific Phobia An anxiety disorder characterized by irrational and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Acrophobia Fear of heights. Arachnophobia Fear of spiders. Agoraphobia Fear of open or crowded spaces. Panic Disorder An anxiety disorder that consists of sudden, overwhelming attacks of terror. Ataque de nervios A cultural syndrome primarily seen in Latin Americans, involving symptoms of intense emotional upset, acute anxiety, fear, or anger. Social Anxiety Disorder A chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety. Taijin Kyofusho A Japanese culture-specific syndrome characterized by an intense fear that one's body, body parts, or bodily functions give others a negative impression. Generalized Anxiety Disorder An anxiety disorder in which a person is continually tense, apprehensive, and in a state of autonomic nervous system arousal. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Disorders involving intrusive obsessions and compulsions which impede daily life. Obsessions Persistent ideas, thoughts, or impulses that are unwanted and inappropriate and cause marked distress. Compulsions Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession. Hoarding Disorder A disorder characterized by the persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their actual value. Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders Disorders related to the exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder A disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Depressive Disorders Disorders that involve the presence of sad, empty, or irritable mood, accompanied by physical and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual's capacity to function. Major Depressive Disorder A mood disorder causing a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Persistent Depressive Disorder A form of depression that is less severe than major depressive disorder but more chronic. Bipolar Disorder A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Bipolar Cycling The process of cycling through episodes of mania and depression in bipolar disorder. Bipolar I Disorder A type of bipolar spectrum disorder characterized by the occurrence of at least one manic episode. Bipolar II Disorder A type of bipolar disorder marked by milder episodes of hypomania that alternate with periods of severe depression. Neurodevelopmental Disorders A group of conditions with onset in the developmental period, often before school age, that are characterized by developmental deficits that produce impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) A chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) A disorder that affects communication and behavior. Feeding and Eating Disorders Disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits, which negatively affect a person's health. Anorexia Nervosa An eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body weight. Bulimia Nervosa An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging. Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders A range of disorders that involve psychosis, including schizophrenia. Delusions False beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders. Delusions of Persecution The belief that others are out to get one. Delusions of Grandeur A false belief that one is more important or influential than they really are. Hallucinations False sensory experiences, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus. Disorganized Thinking A symptom of psychosis, manifested as illogical or incoherent thought and speech. Disorganized Speech A style of talking involving incoherence and a lack of typical logical patterns. Word Salad A confused or unintelligible mixture of seemingly random words and phrases. Disorganized Motor Behavior Includes a variety of unusual behaviors including problems with goal-directed behavior leading to difficulties performing activities of daily living. Catatonia A state of unresponsiveness to one's outside environment, usually including muscle rigidity, staring, and inability to communicate. Flat Affect A lack of emotional responsiveness. Dopamine Hypothesis The theory that schizophrenia results from an excess of dopamine activity. Positive Symptoms Symptoms of schizophrenia that are excesses of behavior or occur in addition to normal behavior; hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech. Negative Symptoms Symptoms of schizophrenia that are marked by deficits in functioning, such as apathy, lack of emotion, and slowed speech and movement. Dissociative Disorders Disorders in which conscious awareness becomes separated (dissociated) from previous memories, thoughts, and feelings. Dissociative Amnesia A disorder characterized by the sudden and extensive inability to recall important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature. Dissociative Fugue A rare dissociative disorder in which a person loses awareness of their identity or other important autobiographical information and also engages in some form of unexpected travel. Dissociative Identity Disorder A disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states. Personality Disorders Psychological disorders characterized by inflexible and enduring behavior patterns that impair social functioning. Cluster A Personality Disorders Odd, eccentric thinking or behavior (including paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders). Paranoid Personality Disorder Type of personality disorder characterized by extreme distrust and suspicion of others. Schizoid Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by persistent avoidance of social relationships and little expression of emotion. Schizotypal Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by severe social anxiety, thought disorder, paranoid ideation, derealization, transient psychosis, and often unconventional beliefs. Cluster B Personality Disorders Dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior (including antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders). Antisocial Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by a lack of conscience for wrongdoing, even toward friends and family. Histrionic Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by excessive emotionality and attention seeking. Narcissistic Personality Disorder A disorder in which a person has an inflated sense of self-importance. Borderline Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by severe instability in emotions and self-image, along with impulsive and reckless behavior. Cluster C Personality Disorders Anxious, fearful thinking or behavior, including avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Avoidant Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Dependent Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by psychological dependence on other people. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder A personality disorder characterized by preoccupation with orderliness, perfection, and control. Deinstitutionalization The release of institutionalized individuals from institutional care to community-based care. Evidence-Based Interventions Treatments based on scientific evidence. Cultural Humility An approach to engagement across cultures emphasizing openness and self-awareness of one's own cultural identities. Therapeutic Alliance The relationship between a healthcare professional and a client. Conformity Adjusting one's behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard. Normative Social Influence Influence resulting from a person's desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval. Social Norms Expected standards of conduct, which influence behavior. Social Comparison Evaluating one's abilities and opinions by comparing oneself to others. Relative Deprivation The perception that one is worse off relative to those with whom one compares oneself. Upward Social Comparison Comparing oneself with others who are better off. Downward Social Comparison Comparing oneself with others who are worse off. Informational Social Influence Influence resulting from one's willingness to accept others' opinions about reality. Obedience Following the directives of authority. Social Facilitation Improved performance on simple or well-learned tasks in the presence of others. Group Polarization The enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion within the group. Groupthink The mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives. Bystander Effect The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present. Diffusion of Responsibility Diminished sense of responsibility among group members to act because others are seen as equally responsible. Social Loafing The tendency for people in a group to exert less effort when pooling their efforts toward attaining a common goal than when individually accountable. Deindividuation The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity. Attribution Theory The theory that we explain someone's behavior by crediting either the situation or the person's disposition. Dispositional Attributions Attributing behavior to the person's disposition and traits. Situational Attributions Attributing behavior to the environment. Explanatory Style A person's habitual way of explaining events, typically assessed along three dimensions: internal/external, stable/unstable, and global/specific. Optimistic Explanatory Style Explaining bad events as results of temporary, external causes. Pessimistic Explanatory Style Explaining bad events as results of stable, internal causes. Fundamental Attribution Error The tendency for observers, when analyzing others' behavior, to underestimate the impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition. Actor-Observer Bias The tendency to attribute one's own actions to external causes while attributing other people's behaviors to internal causes. Self-Serving Bias A readiness to perceive oneself favorably. Internal Locus of Control The perception that one controls one's own fate. External Locus of Control The perception that chance or outside forces beyond one's personal control determine one's fate. Altruism Unselfish regard for the welfare of others. Social Responsibility Norm An expectation that people will help those needing their help. Stereotype A generalized belief about a group of people. Confirmation Bias The tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories. Belief Perseverance Clinging to one's initial conceptions after the basis on which they were formed has been discredited. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy A belief that leads to its own fulfillment. Prejudice An unjustifiable and usually negative attitude toward a group and its members. Discrimination Unjustifiable negative behavior toward a group and its members. Implicit Attitudes Attitudes that influence a person's feelings and behavior at an unconscious level. Just-World Phenomenon The tendency for people to believe the world is just and that people therefore get what they deserve. Out-Group Homogeneity Bias Perception of out-group members as more similar to one another than are in-group members. In-Group Bias The tendency to favor one's own group. Mere Exposure Effect The phenomenon that repeated exposure to novel stimuli increases liking of them. Ethnocentrism Evaluating other cultures according to the standards and customs of one's own culture. Collectivism Giving priority to the goals of one's group and defining one's identity accordingly. Multiculturalism The practice of valuing and respecting differences in culture. Superordinate Goals Shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation. Social Traps A situation in which conflicting parties, by each rationally pursuing their self-interest, become caught in mutually destructive behavior. Persuasion The process of creating, reinforcing, or changing people's beliefs or actions. Elaboration Likelihood Model A theory of how persuasive messages lead to attitude changes. Central Route of Persuasion Attitude change path in which interested people focus on the arguments and respond with favorable thoughts. Peripheral Route of Persuasion Attitude change path in which people are influenced by incidental cues, such as a speaker's attractiveness. Halo Effect The tendency to draw a general impression about an individual on the basis of a single characteristic. Foot-in-the-Door Technique The tendency for people who have first agreed to a small request to comply later with a larger request. Door-in-the-Face Technique The strategy of getting someone to agree to a modest request by first asking them to agree to a much larger request that they will likely turn down. False Consensus Effect The tendency to overestimate the extent to which others share our beliefs and behaviors. Cognitive Dissonance The theory that we act to reduce the discomfort we feel when two of our thoughts are inconsistent. Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologists Psychologists who apply psychology's principles to the workplace. Instincts A complex behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout a species and is unlearned. Drive-Reduction Theory The idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need. Homeostasis The tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry, such as blood glucose, around a particular level. Ghrelin Hormone secreted by an empty stomach; sends 'I'm hungry' signals to the brain. Leptin Hormone secreted by fat cells; when abundant, causes brain to increase metabolism and decrease hunger. Hypothalamus A neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs several maintenance activities (eating, drinking, body temperature), helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion and reward. Pituitary Gland The endocrine system's most influential gland. Under the influence of the hypothalamus, the pituitary regulates growth and controls other endocrine glands. Belongingness The human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Arousal Theory The theory that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of alertness and physical and mental activation. Yerkes-Dodson Law The principle that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases. Sensation-Seeking Theory The search for experiences and feelings that are varied, novel, complex, and intense. Thrill Seeking Pursuing activities that provide a rush of adrenaline. Adventure Seeking Engaging in unusual and exciting activities. Disinhibition Acting impulsively, without considering the consequences. Boredom Susceptibility Tendency to experience boredom and frustration when not engaged in stimulating activities. Incentive Theory A theory that states that behavior is motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentives. Extrinsic Motivation A desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment. Self-Determination Theory A theory of motivation that is concerned with the beneficial effects of intrinsic motivation and the harmful effects of extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic Motivation A desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake. Lewin's Motivational Conflicts Theory A theory that describes situations in which conflicting motivations produce indecision and difficulty. Approach-Approach Conflicts Conflict that results from having to choose between two attractive alternatives. Avoidance-Avoidance Conflicts Conflict that results from having to choose between two distasteful alternatives. Approach-Avoidance Conflicts Conflict that results when a single action or event has both attractive and unattractive features. Emotion A response of the whole organism, involving (1) physiological arousal, (2) expressive behaviors, and (3) conscious experience. Affect A broad range of feelings that people experience. Facial-Feedback Hypothesis The idea that facial expressions can influence emotions as well as reflect them. Display Rules Culturally determined rules about which nonverbal behaviors are appropriate to display. Elicitors Stimuli that trigger emotional responses. Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion Theory proposing that happiness predisposes us to think more openly. Universal Emotions Basic emotions that are expressed by all cultures around the world such as happiness, sadness, fear, disgust, anger, and surprise. Psychodynamic Theory A view that explains personality in terms of conscious and unconscious forces, such as unconscious desires and beliefs. Preconscious Mind The level of consciousness that is not currently in focal awareness. Unconscious Mind A reservoir of mostly unacceptable thoughts, wishes, feelings, and memories. Denial Psychoanalytic defense mechanism by which people refuse to believe or even to perceive painful realities. Displacement Defense mechanism that shifts sexual or aggressive impulses toward a more acceptable or less threatening object or person. Projection Defense mechanism by which people disguise their own threatening impulses by attributing them to others. Rationalization Defense mechanism that offers self-justifying explanations in place of the real, more threatening, unconscious reasons for one's actions. Reaction Formation Defense mechanism by which the ego unconsciously switches unacceptable impulses into their opposites. Regression Defense mechanism in which an individual faced with anxiety retreats to a more infantile psychosexual stage. Repression Defense mechanism by which anxiety-provoking thoughts and feelings are forced to the unconscious. Sublimation Defense mechanism by which people re-channel their unacceptable impulses into socially approved activities. Humanistic Psychology A historically significant perspective that emphasized the growth potential of healthy people. Unconditional Regard An attitude of total acceptance toward another person. Self-Actualizing Tendency The human motive toward realizing our inner potential. Social-Cognitive Theory Views behavior as influenced by the interaction between people's traits (including their thinking) and their social context. Reciprocal Determinism The interacting influences of behavior, internal cognition, and environment. Self-Concept All our thoughts and feelings about ourselves, in answer to the question, 'Who am I?' Self-Efficacy One's sense of competence and effectiveness. Self-Esteem One's feelings of high or low self-worth. Trait Theories Theories that endeavor to describe the characteristics that make up human personality in an effort to predict future behavior. Big Five Theory The theory that there are five basic personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (emotional stability). Personality Inventories A questionnaire (often with true-false or agree-disagree items) on which people respond to items designed to gauge a wide range of feelings and behaviors; used to assess selected personality traits. Factor Analysis A statistical procedure that identifies clusters of related items (called factors) on a test; used to identify different dimensions of performance that underlie one's total score. Openness to Experience One of the five factors; willingness to try new things and be open to new experiences. Conscientiousness One of the five factors; a tendency to show self-discipline, act dutifully, and aim for achievement. Extraversion One of the five factors; energy, positive emotions, and the tendency to seek stimulation and the company of others. Agreeableness One of the five factors; a tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others. Behavioral Perspective Emphasizes learning and behavior in explaining thoughts, feelings, and actions. Associative Learning Making connections between events to learn. Habituation Becoming less responsive to a repeated stimulus. Classical Conditioning Pairing two stimuli to elicit a response. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) Naturally triggers a response without learning. Conditioned Stimulus (CS) Initially neutral, triggers a conditioned response. Acquisition Initial learning stage where a response is established. Extinction Diminishing of a conditioned response. Spontaneous Recovery Reappearance of an extinguished response after a pause. Stimulus Discrimination Ability to differentiate between stimuli. Stimulus Generalization Conditioned stimulus evokes similar responses. Higher-Order Conditioning Pairing a conditioned stimulus with a new one. Counterconditioning Uses conditioning to change responses to triggers. Taste Aversion Avoidance of food associated with discomfort. One-Trial Conditioning Learning with only one pairing of stimulus and response. Biological Preparedness Inclination to form associations between stimuli and responses. Operant Conditioning Learning through rewards and punishments. The Law of Effect Behaviors with favorable consequences are repeated. Reinforcement Strengthens behavior it follows. Primary Reinforcers Innately reinforcing stimuli satisfying biological needs. Secondary Reinforcers Gains reinforcing power through association. Punishment Event decreasing behavior it follows. Shaping Positive reinforcement of behavior patterns. Instinctive Drift Tendency to revert to instinctive behaviors. Fine Motor Coordination The ability to make small, precise movements, typically involving the coordination of the hands and fingers with the eyes. Gross Motor Coordination The ability to make large, general movements, such as crawling and walking. Maturation Biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior, relatively uninfluenced by experience. Reflexes Automatic responses to sensory stimuli, like grasping a finger tightly with the hands. Rooting Reflex A baby's tendency, when touched on the cheek, to turn toward the touch, open the mouth, and search for the nipple. Visual Cliff A laboratory device for testing depth perception in infants and young animals. Critical Periods Specific time periods during which an organism must experience stimuli in order to develop normally. Sensitive Periods Times in development when a person is particularly open to certain kinds of experiences. Imprinting The process by which certain animals form strong attachments during early life. Growth Spurt A rapid increase in growth during puberty. Puberty The period of sexual maturation, during which a person becomes capable of reproducing. Primary Sex Characteristics The body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible. Secondary Sex Characteristics Nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair. Menarche The first menstrual period. Spermarche The first ejaculation. Menopause The time of natural cessation of menstruation; also refers to the biological changes a woman experiences as her ability to reproduce declines. Sex The biologically influenced characteristics by which people define males and females. Gender The socially influenced characteristics by which people define men and women. Socialization The process by which people learn the norms, rules, and information of a culture or society. Jean Piaget A psychologist known for his study of cognitive development in children. Sensorimotor Stage The first stage in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, from birth to about 2 years of age, during which infants know the world mostly in terms of their sensory impressions and motor activities. Object Permanence The awareness that things continue to exist even when not perceived. Preoperational Stage The second stage in Piaget's theory, from about 2 to 7 years of age, during which a child learns to use language but does not yet comprehend the mental operations of concrete logic. Mental Symbols Internal depictions of information that the mind can manipulate. Chronosystem In Bronfenbrenner's theory, this system encompasses changes over time in child development. Authoritarian Parenting A parenting style characterized by high demands and low responsiveness. Parents with this style have very high expectations of their children, yet provide very little in the way of feedback and nurturance. Authoritative Parenting A parenting style characterized by high demands and high responsiveness. Parents with this style set limits and enforce rules but also listen to their children. Permissive Parenting A parenting style characterized by low demands with high responsiveness. These parents tend to be very loving, yet provide few guidelines and rules. Attachment Styles Patterns of attachment, defined by different ways of interacting and behaving in relationships. Secure Attachment An attachment style characterized by trust, a lack of concern with being abandoned, and the view that one is worthy and well liked. Insecure Attachment Attachment styles characterized by fear of abandonment and the feeling that one's needs might not be met. Avoidant Attachment An attachment style characterized by difficulty in learning to trust others. Anxious Attachment An attachment style where individuals are often anxious about the stability of their relationships. Disorganized Attachment An attachment style characterized by a lack of clear attachment behavior. Temperament A person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity. Separation Anxiety Emotional distress seen in many infants when they are separated from people with whom they have formed an attachment. Contact Comfort The physical and emotional comfort that an infant receives from being in physical contact with its mother. Parallel Play Activity in which children play side by side without interacting. Pretend Play Play involving imaginary people and situations; also called fantasy play, dramatic play, or imaginative play. Egocentrism The inability to differentiate between self and other. More specifically, it is the inability to understand that others have different feelings, desires, and perspectives from one's own. Imaginary Audience A concept in adolescent psychology where an individual believes that his or her behavior is the main focus of others' attention and concern. Personal Fable An adolescent's belief that they are unique and protected from harm. Social Clock The culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement. Emerging Adulthood A phase of the life span between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood which encompasses late adolescence and early adulthood, generally ages 18 to 25. Stage Theory of Psychosocial Development (Erikson) Erik Erikson's theory that identifies eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. Trust vs. Mistrust The first stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between birth and approximately 18 months of age. During this stage, the infant learns if they can trust the world to fulfill their needs. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt The second stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 18 months to approximately 3 years. The child learns to be independent and confident or experiences shame and doubt about their abilities. Initiative vs. Guilt The third stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during the preschool years, between the ages of 3 to 5 years. Children begin to assert control and power over their environment. Industry vs. Inferiority The fourth stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Children learn to cope with new social and academic demands, success leads to a sense of competence, while failure results in feelings of inferiority. Identity vs. Role Confusion The fifth stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during adolescence, from about 12-18 years. During this stage, adolescents explore their independence and develop a sense of self. Intimacy vs. Isolation The sixth stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 19 and 40 years. Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships with other people. Generativity vs. Stagnation The seventh stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during middle adulthood between the ages of approximately 40 and 65. Individuals establish careers, settle down within relationships, begin families, and develop a sense of being a part of the bigger picture. Integrity vs. Despair The eighth and final stage of Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. This stage occurs during old age and is focused on reflecting back on life. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years), such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community, and having a family member attempt or die by suicide. Achievement (adolescent development) In the context of identity development, this term refers to the successful integration of various aspects of self-concept, based on explorations of roles, values, and beliefs. Diffusion (adolescent development) A status of identity development where an individual has not yet experienced a crisis or made any commitments. They are undecided and uninterested in occupational and ideological choices. Foreclosure (adolescent development) A status of identity development where an individual has made a commitment without experiencing a crisis. This occurs when people commit to roles or values without exploring alternatives. Moratorium (adolescent development) A status of identity development where an individual is in the midst of a crisis but whose commitments are either absent or are only vaguely defined. Racial/Ethnic Identity An individual's awareness and experience of being a member of a racial or ethnic group, including the degree to which one's cultural, historical, and social aspects of identity are embraced. Sexual Orientation An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people. Religious Identity An individual's sense of belonging to a religious group, along with the importance of this group membership as it pertains to one's sense of self. Occupational Identity How a person identifies themselves based on their job or career choices and how they feel those roles impact their personal identity. Familial Identity The part of an individual's identity that is formed by the relationships they have with their family members. Possible Selves The aspect of oneself that includes all the ideas of what one might become, what one hopes to become, and what one is afraid of becoming. Evolutionary Perspective A way of looking at human behavior that emphasizes the role of natural selection and survival of the fittest in shaping our actions. Natural Selection A process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Nature Refers to the genetic or hereditary influences on behavior and traits. Nurture Refers to the environmental influences that shape behavior and traits after conception. Twin Studies Research that compares the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to understand the influence of genetics versus environment. Adoption Studies Studies that compare adopted children to their adoptive and biological parents to understand genetic and environmental influences. Family Studies Research that examines behavioral patterns or genetic markers across generations within families. Heredity The passing on of physical or mental traits genetically from one generation to another. Genetic Predisposition The increased likelihood of developing a particular disease or behavior based on a person's genetic makeup. Eugenics A controversial historical movement aimed at improving the genetic composition of the human race. Cerebral Cortex The outermost layer of the brain involved in high-level functions such as thought, language, and memory. Association Areas Parts of the brain that integrate different types of information from the senses and link it with stored memories. Lobes of the Brain Regions of the brain differentiated by their functions, including frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. Frontal Lobes Areas of the brain involved in complex processes like reasoning, planning, and emotion. Prefrontal Cortex The part of the frontal lobes directly behind the forehead, involved in decision-making and self-control. Executive Functioning Higher-level cognitive processes including thinking, planning, and problem-solving. Motor Cortex The part of the brain that controls voluntary movements. Parietal Lobes Areas of the brain that process sensory information such as touch, temperature, and pain. Somatosensory Cortex A part of the parietal lobes that processes sensory input from various body areas. Occipital Lobes The part of the brain that processes visual information. Temporal Lobes Areas of the brain involved in processing auditory information and encoding memory. Corpus Callosum A large band of neural fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between them. Brainstem The central trunk of the brain continuing downward to form the spinal cord. Medulla The base of the brainstem that controls vital life-sustaining functions like heartbeat and breathing. Reticular Activating System A network of neurons in the brainstem that plays a role in waking and sleep. Cerebellum A part of the brain at the back of the skull that coordinates and regulates muscular activity. Limbic System A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, controlling basic emotions and drives. Reward Center Brain regions that regulate the experience of pleasure, particularly related to survival and reward. Thalamus A structure deep within the brain that relays sensory signals to the cerebral cortex. Hypothalamus A small region at the base of the brain that directs several functions, including temperature regulation and energy maintenance. Pituitary Gland A gland at the base of the brain that controls growth and development. Hippocampus A part of the limbic system involved in learning and memory. Amygdala A structure in the limbic system involved in emotion, particularly fear and aggression. Nervous System The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body. Central Nervous System The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral Nervous System All the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord. Autonomic Nervous System The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, like breathing and the heartbeat. Sympathetic Nervous System The part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for rapid action in emergencies. Parasympathetic Nervous System The part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and conserves energy. Somatic Nervous System The part of the peripheral nervous system associated with voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles. Neurons The basic working units of the brain, specialized cells that transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells. Glial Cells Cells in the nervous system that support, nourish, and protect neurons. Motor Neurons Neurons that carry outgoing information from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles and glands. Sensory Neurons Neurons that carry incoming information from the sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord. Interneurons Neurons within the brain and spinal cord that communicate internally and intervene between the sensory inputs and motor outputs. Reflex Arc A neural pathway that controls a reflex action. Neural Transmission The process by which neurons communicate with each other by sending electrical or chemical signals. Threshold The level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse. Action Potential A neural impulse; a brief electrical charge that travels down an axon. All-or-Nothing Principle The rule that neurons are either on or off. Depolarization A change in a cell's membrane potential, making it more positive. Refractory Period A period immediately following stimulation during which a nerve or muscle is unresponsive to further stimulation. Resting Potential The state of the neuron when not firing a neural impulse. Reuptake A neurotransmitter's reabsorption by the sending neuron. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) A disease in which the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves. Myasthenia Gravis A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the neuromuscular junction and produces serious weakness of voluntary muscles. Neurotransmitters Chemicals transmitting information across synapses to dendrites of receiving neurons. Excitatory Neurotransmitters Chemical messengers increasing the likelihood of neuron firing an action potential. Glutamate An excitatory neurotransmitter strengthening synaptic connections between neurons. Inhibitory Neurotransmitters Chemical messengers decreasing the likelihood of neuron firing an action potential. GABA A major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Dopamine A neurotransmitter influencing movement, learning, attention, and emotion. Serotonin A neurotransmitter affecting mood, hunger, sleep, and arousal. Endorphins Neurotransmitters influencing the perception of pain or pleasure. Substance P A neurotransmitter involved in transmitting pain messages to the brain. Acetylcholine A neurotransmitter enabling learning, memory, and triggering muscle contraction. Hormones Chemicals produced by glands regulating activities of different body cells. Ghrelin A hormone stimulating appetite, increasing food intake, and promoting fat storage. Leptin A hormone helping regulate energy balance by inhibiting hunger. Melatonin A hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles. Oxytocin A hormone acting as a neurotransmitter, influencing social behavior and emotion. Adrenaline A hormone released in response to physical or mental stress. Norepinephrine A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in arousal and fight-or-flight response. Plasticity The brain's ability to change and adapt due to experience. Split Brain Research Studies on patients with severed corpus callosum to understand brain hemisphere functions. Contralateral Hemispheric Organization Arrangement where the brain's right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and vice versa. Hemispheric Specialization Control of distinct functions by the brain's right and left hemispheres. Linguistic Processing Brain functions involved in understanding and producing language. Broca's Area Frontal lobe area directing muscle movements involved in speech. Broca's Aphasia Condition from damage to Broca's area causing impaired speaking and writing. Opioids A class of drugs including heroin and prescription pain relievers. Heroin An opioid drug made from morphine, derived from opium poppy plants. Tolerance Diminishing drug effect with regular use, necessitating larger doses. Addiction Compulsive craving for drugs or behaviors despite adverse consequences. Withdrawal Symptoms post cessation of drug intake in addicted individuals. Sensation Reception and representation of stimulus energies by sensory receptors. Transduction Conversion of stimulus energies into neural impulses in sensation. Perception Organization and interpretation of sensory information for object recognition. Absolute Threshold Minimum stimulus energy to detect a stimulus 50% of the time. Just-noticeable Difference Smallest difference in stimulus intensity detectable by a sense. Sensory Adaptation Decrease in sensitivity to constant stimulation levels. Weber's Law Principle that stimuli must differ by a constant proportion for detection. Synesthesia Condition where one sense is perceived as if by additional senses. Retina Light-sensitive eye surface with rods, cones, and neural processing layers. Blind Spot Point where optic nerve exits the eye, lacking receptor cells. Visual Nerve Nerve transmitting neural impulses from the eye to the brain. Lens Transparent eye structure behind the pupil, aiding image focus. Accommodation Process of lens shape change for focusing on near or far objects. Nearsightedness Clear vision for close objects but blurry for distant ones. Farsightedness Clear vision for distant objects but blurry for close ones. Photoreceptors Rods and cones in the retina converting light into neural signals. Rods Photoreceptors detecting black, white, and gray for peripheral vision. Cones Photoreceptors concentrated for daylight vision, color, and detail. Trichromatic Theory Theory of three color receptors in the retina for color perception. Opponent-process Theory Theory of opposing processes in color vision enabling perception. Psychology the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. Mental Processes Thoughts, feelings, and motives that each of us experiences privately but that cannot be directly observed. Behavior Any action that people can observe or measure Confirmation Bias The tendency to favor information that confirms your existing beliefs. Hindsight Bias The feeling after something happens that you knew it was going to happen. Overconfidence Being more confident than correct; overestimating the accuracy of your beliefs. Empirical Evidence Information from experiments or observations rather than theories. Scientific Method A step-by-step method for conducting research. Hypothesis A prediction that you can test through study and experimentation. Falsifiable Something that can be proven wrong through tests. Peer Review The process of having other experts examine your work to check its validity. Replication Repeating a study to see if the same results are obtained. Reliability The consistency of a research study or measuring test. Validity The accuracy of a test or research to measure what it claims to measure. The American Psychological Association (APA) A major organization for psychologists in the United States. Research Design The plan for a research study, determining how to collect and analyze data. Methodology The specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select, process, and analyze information about a topic. Quantitative Data Data that can be counted or measured and given a numerical value. Qualitative Data Data that describes qualities or characteristics. Likert Scales A scale used to represent people's attitudes or feelings; respondents specify their level of agreement to a statement. Structured Interviews Interviews where everyone is asked the same questions in the same way. Survey Technique A method of gathering information by asking questions to people. Wording Effect How the way a question is phrased can influence the answers given. Social Desirability Bias: The tendency of respondents to answer questions in a manner that will be viewed favorably by others. Naturalistic Observation Watching behaviors occur naturally without interfering. Case Study A detailed examination of a single subject or group. Correlational Research A study that investigates the relationship between two variables to determine if they vary together. Third Variable Problem A situation where an unseen variable affects the results of a study. Scatterplot A graph in which the values of two variables are plotted along two axes, the pattern of the resulting points revealing any correlation present. Correlation Coefficient A number between -1 and 1 that describes the strength and direction of a relationship between variables. Positive Correlation A relationship where if one variable increases, the other does too. Negative Correlation A relationship where if one variable increases, the other decreases. Experimental Method: A method where the researcher manipulates one variable to see if it affects another. Independent Variable The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment. Dependent Variable The variable that is tested and measured in a scientific experiment. Confounding Variable An extra variable that wasn't accounted for that could affect the results of an experiment. Operational Definitions Clearly defining how you will measure your variables in research. Experimental Group The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. Control Group The group in an experiment that does not receive the test variable. Random Assignment Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance, which helps ensure that any differences observed after the treatment are due to the treatment and not a preexisting difference. Placebo Effect A change in a participant's illness or behavior that results from a belief that the treatment will have an effect, rather than the actual treatment. Experimenter Bias When a researcher's expectations influence the outcome of a study. Single-Blind Study When the participants do not know whether they are receiving the treatment or not. Double-Blind Study When neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving a particular treatment. Placebo Condition A condition in which participants receive a placebo instead of the actual treatment. Sample A group of subjects selected from a larger population for study. Representative Sample: A randomly chosen sample of subjects from a larger population that accurately reflects the characteristics of the larger population. Random Sample A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of being included. Sample Bias A sample that does not accurately represent the population from which it was drawn. Generalizability The extent to which research findings can be applied to larger populations. Statistics The science of collecting, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting data. Descriptive Statistics Statistics that summarize data, such as mean or standard deviation Inferential Statistics: Statistics used to infer the properties of a population, based on a sample of data. Measure of Central Tendency: A statistical measure that describes the center of a data set; includes mean, median, and mode. Mean The average of a set of numbers. Median The middle number in a set of numbers arranged in order. Mode The number that appears most frequently in a data set. Range The difference between the highest and lowest values in a data set. Normal Curve A bell-shaped curve that shows data distribution; most scores fall near the middle. Regression to the Mean The phenomenon that extreme values in data tend to be closer to the average on subsequent measurements. Positive Skew When more scores fall on the low side of the scale and tail on the high side. Negative Skew When more scores fall on the high side of the scale and tail on the low side. Standard Deviation A measure of how spread out numbers are around the mean. Percentile Rank The percentage of scores in a distribution that a specific score is greater than. Bimodal Distribution A distribution of data with two modes or peaks. Statistical Significance The likelihood that a result from data collected by an experiment is not due to chance. Effect Sizes A measure of the strength of the relationship between two variables. Meta Analysis A method of combining data from many different research studies. Institutional Review Boards (IRB) Groups of people responsible for reviewing proposed research to ensure that it is ethical. Informed Consent Permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences, typically that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits. Informed Assent Agreement by a minor or other not able to give legal consent to participate in the activity. Confidentiality Keeping information given by participants in a research study private. Deception Misleading participants about the true purpose of a study or the events that will transpire. Confederates Actors who take part in a study pretending to be real participants. Debriefing Explaining to participants at the end of a study the true purpose of the study and exactly what transpired.

Green - Survival of the fittest (A)

History of Psychology

Branches of Psychology

Unit 1 Review 1. Senses a. Visual - I can see it b. Tactile - I can feel/touch it c. Gustation - I can taste it d. Auditory - I can hear it e. Olfaction - I can smell it f. Kinesthesia - sense position/movement of the body without vision (eyes closed) Weber’s Law: (absolute threshold) - Difference in stimuli and sensation (difference threshold increases with intensity... easier to tell the difference between 4lb and 10lb weight rather than 8lb and 10lb weight) 2. Research Designs a. Qualitative Research: non-numerical data (images, words, observations) b. Quantitative Research: actual data (numbers, percentages, mathematical model) c. Experimental Research: random assignment to groups/independent variables used d. Correlation: Relationship between two variables (Genetics and Eating disorders) 3. Psychological Perspectives a. Biological Approach: brain and body affect behavior (hormones, neurotransmitters) b. Evolutionary Approach: adaptation to environment affects behavior (aversion to spiders) i. Charles Darwin’s natural selection: genes passed down to help survive (survival of the fittest) c. Cognitive: thinking influences behavior d. Humanistic: focus to be the best e. Psychodynamic: importance of childhood events 4. Nervous System a. Somatic - muscle movement b. Sympathetic - “fight or flight” (dilated pupils, reduced digestion, increased heart rate) c. Parasympathetic - cool down phase after excitement d. Spinal cord - sends signals to body (hand on a hot plate) 5. The Brain a. Refractory Phase: Neuron rests after firing neurotransmitters b. Action Potential: shifts in electrical charge of a neuron (across the axon) c. Endorphins: Neurotransmitter that reduces pain in the body d. Dopamine: Neurotransmitter that increases pleasure in the body e. Hypothalamus: sends signals to the pituitary gland (regulates body temperature) f. Neuroplasticity: ability to recover from brain injury g. Broca’s Area: Controls speech (if damaged, will cause speech issues) 6. Endocrine System a. Regulates level of hormones in the body 7. Sleep a. EEG: measures electrical currents in the brain b. TMS: measures the stage of sleep an individual is in c. Circadian Rhythm: sleep/wake cycle (will not feel rested if disrupted)

Survival of the Fittest

Major concepts in The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin Natural Selection Inheritance Variation Survival of the Fittest PART 2

Survival of the Fittest - Science of Life - 2022

Chapter 16: Darwin’s Theory of Evolution