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223 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY, METHODS & BIOPSYCHOLOGY FLASH CARD SET I
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The science of behavior and mental processes.
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Psychology
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All observable actions we do, thoughts and feelings.
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behavior and mental processes
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Scientific study that aims to solve problems.
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applied research
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Pure science that aims to increase scientific knowledge.
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basic research
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Established the first Psychological Laboratory
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Wilhelm Wundt
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“Father of modern psychology.”
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Wilhelm Wundt
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We study the history of psychology because it’s past helps explain______.
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Current psychological thinking
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A particular view of behavior and or mental processes that has grown into a movement.
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Psychological perspective
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Ways to explain behavior.
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Psychological perspective
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A perspective that focuses on the study of conscious experience, the individual’s freedom to choose, and the capacity for personal growth.
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Humanistic Psychology
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Psychological perspective that emphasizes our tendency to integrate pieces of information into meaningful wholes.
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Gestalt Psychology
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Theory that emphasized the functions of consciousness and the ways consciousness helps people adapt to their environment.
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functionalism
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School of thought that focuses on how behavior springs from unconscious drives and conflicts.
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Psychoanalytic perspective
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Founder of the Psychoanalytic perspective.
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Sigmund Freud
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Modernized version of Psychoanalytic theory.
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Psychodynamic Perspective
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School of thought that focuses on how we learn observable responses.
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Behaviorist Perspective
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Theory that holds that psychology should study only observable behaviors.
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Behaviorist Perspective or Behaviorism
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Holds that all behavior is the result of reinforcements and punishments
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Behaviorism
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Two leading behaviorists.
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John Watson & B.F. Skinner
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School of thought that focuses on how we take in, process and retrieve information.
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Cognitive Perspective
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School of thought that focuses on the physical structures and substances underlying a particular behavior, thought or emotion.
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Biological perspective (bio-psychology)
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School of thought that focuses on how thinking changes in different contexts or situations.
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Social-cultural perspective
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Study the extent to which our genes and our environment influence our individual differences.
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Behavior Genetics
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The perspective that focuses on the relative power and limits of genetics and environmental influences on behavior.
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Behavior Genetics
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A movement in Psychology that focuses on the study of optimal human functioning and the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.
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Positive Psychology
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Investigates the unique ways individuals think about and interpret life experiences.
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Cognitive Perspective
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The emphasis on natural selection of psychological traits is part of the _________.
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Evolutionary Perspective
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Psychological traits exist because they increase chances of survival.
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Natural Selection
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Courage, originality and wisdom are investigated by ________.
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Positive Technology
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In its early years Psychology focused on the study of __________.
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Mental Processes
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From the 1920s to the 1960s American psychologists emphasized the study of______.
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Observable Behavior
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Most early psychologists were white men because________
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Female and minority students were often prohibited from college
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Early in the history of psychology racial and gender barriers discouraged potential ____.
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Minority students
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Focus on how thinking or behavior changes in different cultural contexts.
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Social-cultural psychology
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Cognitive Psychology did not become respected until after ________.
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1950
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Combines the biological perspective with the behavioral perspective.
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Behavior Genetics
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Evolutionary psychologists are most interested in the __________ perspective.
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biological
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Study actual chemical reactions of the brain.
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Bio-psychologists
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Conduct research on mental and physical growth from prenatal through adulthood.
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Developmental Psychologists
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Life-span psychologists
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Developmental Psychologists
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About half of all psychologists specialize in ___
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Clinical or Counseling Psychology
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A method of learning about the world through the application of critical thinking and tools such as observation, experimentation, and statistical analysis.
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Scientific Method
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Comes from casual uncontrolled observations.
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Common Sense
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It examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
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Critical Thinking
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A tendency for researchers to engage in behaviors and selectively notice evidence that supports their hypothesis or expectations
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Researcher Bias
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A tendency for participants to behave in a certain way because they believe they know what the researcher wants.
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Participant Bias
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Expectations by the experimenter that might influence the results an experiment.
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Researcher (experimenter) Bias
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A tendency for research participants to respond in a certain way because they know they are being observed.
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Participant Bias
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Observing without trying to manipulate or control the situation.
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Naturalistic Observation
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Observing and recording behavior in naturally occurring situations.
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Naturalistic Observation
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"
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Case study
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Watching your subjects directly.
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Naturalistic Observation
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A group of subjects who represent a larger group.
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Sample
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The larger group of people that researchers want to generalize to.
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Population
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The statistical relationship between two or more variables.
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correlation
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Both variables increase or decrease together.
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Positive Correlation
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One variable increases while the other variable decreases.
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Negative Correlation
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A research project designed to discover the degree to which two variables are related to each other.
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Correlational Study
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A research technique designed to discover self reported attitudes or behaviors of a sample of people, through use of questionnaires or interviews.
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Survey Method
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A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
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Random Sample
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A research technique that studies the same group of individuals over a long period of time.
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Longitudinal Study
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A research technique that compares individuals from different age groups at one time.
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Cross-sectional Study
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A research method in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable.
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experiment
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An investigator’s testable prediction about the outcome of research.
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hypothesis
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People whose reactions are observed as part of an experiment.
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participants
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A specification of the exact procedures used to make a variable specific and measurable for research purposes.
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operational definition
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The research variable that a researcher actively manipulates.
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Independent variable
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If the hypothesis is correct it will cause a change in the dependant variable
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Independent variable
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In psychology, the behavior or mental process where the impact of the independent variable is measured.
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dependent variable
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The research variable that is influenced by the independent variable
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dependent variable
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The participants in an experiment who are exposed to the treatment, that is the independent variable
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experimental group
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These individuals function as a comparison for the experimental group participants.
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control group
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The participants in a group who are not exposed to the independent variable.
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control group
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Helps minimize preexisting differences among those assigned to different groups
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random assignment
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Assigning participants to experimental and control groups by chance.
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random assignment
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The only research method that can demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships
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experiment
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To draw cause-and-effect conclusions from an experiment, researchers must control for ___.
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confounding variables
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In an experiment a variable, other than the independent variable, that could influence the dependent variable.
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confounding variable
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This procedure is used to control for the independent variable, that could influence the dependent variable.
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double-blind procedure/experiment
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An experimental procedure in which both the research participants and the research staff are ignorant of the expected outcome of the research.
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double-blind procedure/experiment
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Is used to see if a drug has an effect beyond the expectations of it.
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placebo
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A non active substance or condition that may be administered instead of a drug or active agent.
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placebo
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Unless a study can be replicated, the results are likely to be ________.
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fluke occurrence
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Repeating a research study to see whether the results can be reliably reproduced
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replication
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APA
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American Psychological Association
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Researchers must inform participants, in advance; of the nature of the research, potential risks, and their right to refuse. (in understandable language).
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informed consent
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Researchers may conduct studies that involve harm and discomfort only under certain circumstances and only with __________.
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informed consent
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Researchers must never release data about individual participants.
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right to confidentiality
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Participants must receive full explanation of research when their involvement is done.
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right to debriefing
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Deception and concealment of information is allowed.
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APA code of ethics
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Informed consent, right to be protected from harm of discomfort, right to confidentiality, and the right to debriefing.
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APA code of ethics
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Prior to the 1960s, most psychological research was based on the study of_____.
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white male college students
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Most likely to research mental processes.
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cognitive psychologists
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They make up the chromosomes and direct how cells become specialized for various functions during prenatal development.
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genes
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A segment of DNA; biochemical units of heredity.
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genes
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Deoxyribonucleic acid.
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DNA
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Threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain genes.
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chromosomes
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A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.
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DNA
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Consists of all the genetic material in its chromosomes.
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genome
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Complete instructions for making an organism.
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genome
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Random errors in gene replication that lead to a change in the individual's genetic code.
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mutation
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The source of all genetic diversity.
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mutation
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The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
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Evolutionary Psychology
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The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations.
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natural selection
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Twins who are genetically identical organisms.
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identical twins
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Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two.
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identical twins
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They are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters, but they share the same fetal environment.
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fraternal twins
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Twins who develop from separate eggs.
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fraternal twins
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The proportion of variation among individuals that we attribute to genes.
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heritability
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The debate on how much behavior is relatively effected by heredity and environment.
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Nature versus Nurture
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Identical twins who have been separated from birth are helpful in the study of _____.
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Nature versus Nurture
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Every non genetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.
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environment
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The shared attitudes, beliefs, norms, and behaviors of a group communicated from one generation to the next.
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culture
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Culture may function to ensure a group's ______.
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survival
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Prescribe "proper" behavior.
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norms
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Understood rules for accepted and expected behavior.
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norms
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Defines identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identification
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individualism
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Cultural style that places personal goals or needs ahead of group goals or needs.
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individualism
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Defines personal identity in terms of group identification.
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collectivism
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Cultural style that places group goals or needs ahead of personal goals and needs.
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collectivism
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The system that relays messages in the form of electrochemical impulses throughout the body.
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nervous system
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The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
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nervous system
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A nerve cell.
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neuron
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The basic building block of the nervous system.
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neuron
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The cell body of a neuron.
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soma
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Contains the nucleus and other parts that keep the neuron healthy.
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soma
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The bushy, branching extensions of a neuron.
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dendrites
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Receive messages and conduct impulses toward the soma.
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dendrites
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The extension of a neuron.
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axon
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Neural impulses are sent through the ____.
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axon
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The endpoint of a neuron.
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axon termina
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Where neurotransmitters are stored.
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axon termina
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A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron.
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action potential
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A neural impulse.
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action potential
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The “recharging phase.” When a neuron, after firing, cannot generate another action potential.
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refactory period
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A neuron is capable of generating an action potential when it is at _______.
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resting potential
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The state of a neuron when it is at rest.
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resting potential
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The incoming message must be above a certain threshold to cause a __________.
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neural impulse (action potential)
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A neuron will fire when the incoming message is stronger than the neuron’s ______.
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firing threshold
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All action potentials are the same strength.
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all-or-none law
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The principle stating that if a neuron fires, it always fires at the same intensity.
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all-or-none law
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The tiny gap at the junction between neurons.
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synaptic gap or cleft
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The tiny, fluid-filled gap between the tip of the sending neuron and the receptor sites on the receiving neuron.
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synapse
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Chemical messengers that, when released by a sending neuron travel across the synapse and bind to the receptor sites on receiving neurons.
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neurotransmitters
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When it binds with the receptor sites on a receiving neuron it sets up the next link in the chain of communication within the nervous system.
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neurotransmitters
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A neurotransmitter that makes it more likely that the receiving neuron will generate an action potential.
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excitatory effect
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A neurotransmitter that makes it less likely that a receiving neuron will generate an action potential
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inhibitory effect
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Cells present in every sensory system to change some other form of energy into neural impulses that the brain can process
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receptor cells
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Bundles of individual neurons
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nerves
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Nerves that carry information from the sense receptors to the central nervous system.
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Sensory nerves
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Nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord responsible for processing information related to sensory input and motor output
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interneurons
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Nerves that carry information to the muscles and glands from the central nervous system.
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motor nerves
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A neurotransmitter that affects learning and memory.
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acetylcholine
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A neurotransmitter that triggers muscle contraction.
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acetylcholine
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Excessive activity of this neurotransmitter is associated with schizophrenia.
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dopamine
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A neurotransmitter that affects learning, attention, and emotions.
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dopamine
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It appears in lower than normal levels in depressed persons.
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serotonin
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A neurotransmitter that affects hunger, sleep, arousal, and mood.
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serotonin
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Neurotransmitter linked to pain control and pleasure
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endorphins
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Neural impulses travel at speeds ranging from _____.
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3 to 400 feet per second
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A drug that blocks the effect of a neurotransmitter.
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antagonist
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A drug that boosts the effect of a neurotransmitter.
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agonist
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The sensory and motor nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
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peripheral nervous system
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The somatic and autonomic nervous systems combined.
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peripheral nervous system
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the division of the peripheral system that controls glands and muscles of the internal organs
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autonomic nervous system
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The parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous systems make up the _____.
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autonomic nervous system
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The autonomic nervous system is part of the ____.
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peripheral nervous system
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The part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body to deal with perceived threats.
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sympathetic nervous system
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the part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body
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parasympathetic nervous system
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The division of the peripheral nervous system that controls the body's skeletal muscles
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somatic nervous system
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The somatic nervous system is part of the _____.
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peripheral nervous system
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A set of glands that produce hormones.
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endocrine system
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The body's two communication systems.
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nervous and endocrine
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Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands and circulated in the blood.
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hormones
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The endocrine system’s “master gland.”
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pituitary gland
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In conjunction with the brain, controls other endocrine glands.
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pituitary gland
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Endocrine gland that helps regulate energy level in the body.
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Thyroid gland
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Endocrine glands that help arouse the body in time of stress.
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adrenal glands
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Results from the pancreas consistently secreting less insulin than it should.
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diabetes
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The Brain & the Spinal Chord.
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central nervous system
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Is responsible for the automatic survival functions.
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brainstem
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Begins where the spinal chord swells as it enters the skull.
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brainstem
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The oldest part and central core of the brain.
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brainstem
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The base of the brainstem; controls life-support functions like heartbeat and breathing.
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medulla
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A nerve network in the brainstem that plays an important role in controlling wakefulness and arousal.
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reticular formation
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The Thalamus is located at the top of the ______.
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brainstem
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It directs messages to the sensory receiving areas in the cortex.
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thalamus
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The brain’s sensory switchboard.
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thalamus
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The “little brain” attached to the rear of the brainstem.
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cerebellum
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Helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance.
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cerebellum
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A series of x-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice through the body.
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Computerized Axial Tomography Scan (CT or CAT scan)
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Allows us to see structures within the brain.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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A technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images that distinguish among different types of soft tissue.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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An amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity that sweep across the brain’s surface.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG)
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A visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a given task.
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Position Emission Tomography Scan
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Includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.
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limbic system
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A ring of structures at the border of the brainstem and cerebral cortex.
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limbic system
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Helps regulate important functions such as memory, fear, aggression, hunger and thirst.
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limbic system
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Neural structure lying below the thalamus.
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hypothalamus
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Neural structure that directs maintenance activities such as eating, drinking, and body temperature and is linked to emotion.
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hypothalamus
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A neural center in the limbic system; it helps process new memories for permanent storage.
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hippocampus
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The amygdala are linked to _______.
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emotions (e.g. fear and anger)
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Two almond-shaped neural clusters in the limbic system.
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amgdala
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The body’s ultimate control and information processing center.
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cerebral cortex
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The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that form the cerebral hemispheres.
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cerebral cortex
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The long crack running all the way from the front to the back of the cerebral cortex, separating the left and right hemispheres.
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longitudinal fissure
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The large bands of neural fibers that connects the two brain hemispheres and carries messages between them.
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corus callosum
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The portion of the cerebral cortex involved in making plans and judgments.
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frontal lobes
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The frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex are just behind the ________.
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forehead
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The portion of the cerebral cortex; which includes the motor cortex.
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frontal lobes
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The parietal lobes are part of the cerebral cortex lying at the _____________.
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top of the head towards the rear
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The portion of the cerebral cortex which includes the somatosensory cortex and general association areas used for processing information.
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partietal lobes
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Includes the visual processing area of the cerebral cortex.
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occipital lobes
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The occipital lobes are a part of the cerebral cortex lying at the __________.
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back of the head
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The temporal lobes are part of the cerebral cortex that lay roughly above the ________.
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ears
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Portion of the cerebral cortex that includes the auditory (hearing) areas.
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temporal lobes
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Brain area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.
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motor cortex
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Brain area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body sensations.
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somatosensory cortex
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Brain area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.
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Broca's area
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Brain area involved in language comprehension and expression, usually in the left temporal lobe.
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Wernicke's area
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The brain’s capacity for modification, as evident in brain reorganization following damage.
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plasticity
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Brain plasticity is especially pronounced in ____________.
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children
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