Introduction To Psychology

Front 1

What is psychology?

Back 1

The scientific study of mental processes and behaviours

Front 2

How is psychology a science?

- Examples

Back 2

- Experiments can be replicated

- It uses a systematic scientific method

- It uses data that is either qualitative or quantitative data

Front 3

Extraneous Variable

- Definition

Back 3

Any variables that you are not intentionally studying in an experiment. It is any variable that may impact/alter the IV

Front 4

Independent Variable

- Definition

Back 4

The characteristic of a psychology experiment that is manipulated or changed

Front 5

Dependent Variable

- Definition

Back 5

The response that is measured. It is the presumed effect. It depends on the IV.

Front 6

Controlled Variable

- Definition

Back 6

A type of EV that is confused with the IV. They are factors other than the IV that may cause a result

Front 7

Pseudoscience

Back 7

A collection of beliefs or practises mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method

Front 8

Barnum Effect

Back 8

The tendency to accept as true types of information such as character assessment or horoscopes, even when the information is so vague as to be worthless

Front 9

Hypothesis

Back 9

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation

Front 10

Research Methods (3)

Back 10

- Case Studies: Involves a rare event being studied

- Naturalistic observation: Watching natural behaviour in 'natural environments'

- Experiments: Testing variables and the relationship in a controlled environment

Front 11

SAME I

Back 11

S - Sensory (Ascending tracts)

A - Afferent (" ")

M - Motor (Descending tracts)

E - Efferent (" ")

I - Inter neuron (Connect sensory + motor neurons)

Front 12

PODI

Back 12

P - Population

O - Outcome

D - Dependent variable

I - Independent variable

Front 13

The Scientific Method (6)

Back 13

1. Ask a question

2. Research existing resources

3. Formulate a hypothesis

4. Design and conduct a study

5. Draw conclusions

6. report results

Front 14

Process of Experiments (8)

Back 14

1. Decide on an aim

2. Operationalise IV and DV

3. Formulate a hypothesis

4. Select the conditions

5. Decide on a design

6. Collect data

7. Analyse data

8. Accept or reject hypothesis

Front 15

Nervous system

- Definition

Back 15

The network of nerve cells and fibres which transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body

Front 16

Neuron

- Definition

Back 16

A specialised cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.

Front 17

Brain

- Definition

Back 17

The portion of the central nervous system that is located within the skull. It functions as a primary receiver, organiser, and distributor of information for the body. Has a right and left half both of which are called hemispheres.

Front 18

Spinal cord

- Definition

Back 18

The cord of nervous tissue that extends from the brain lengthwise along the back in the vertebral canal, gives off the spinal nerves, carries impulses to and from the brain, and serves as a centre for initiating and coordinating many reflex acts.

Front 19

PNS

- Definition

Back 19

The portion of the nervous system that is outside the brain and spinal cord. The nerves in the PNS connect the central nervous system to sensory organs, and to other organs of the body.

Front 20

Hindbrain

- Definition

Back 20

The lower part of the brain-stem, composing the cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata.

Front 21

Mid brain

- Definition

Back 21

A small central part of the brainstorm , developing from the middle of the primitive or embryonic brain.

Front 22

Fore brain

- Definition

Back 22

The anterior part of the brain, including the cerebral hemispheres, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus

Front 23

Grey matter

- Definition

Back 23

The dark tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of nerve cell bodies and branching dendrites

Front 24

White matter

- Definition

Back 24

The pale tissue of the brain and spinal cord, consisting mainly of nerve cell bodies and branching dendrites

Front 25

Ascending traits

- Definition

Back 25

An axon tract running rostrally in the spinal cord or brain, often a sensory pathway

Front 26

Descending traits

- Definition

Back 26

Any axon tract running caudally in the spinal cord or brain, often a motor pathway