Psychology chapter 1

The brain's ability to learn and adapt.

How experiences affect how genes are expressed.

The debate of how much genes (nature) and environment (nurture) influence traits.

Western, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic cultures, a small sample of the world's populations studied in research.

The study of cultural influencing on human behavior and differences.

Shared values, ideas, and behaviors passed down through generations.

Shift in psychology focusing on mental processes like thinking, memory, and problem solving

A process of evolution where traits that help survival and reproduction become more common.

Core human experiences that are shared across cultures and genders, such as walking, feeling emotions, experiencing hunger, and intelligence.

Differences in attitudes, behaviors, and feelings exhibited by people in different societies and cultures.

Differences in psychological or behavioral aspects between males and females that are frequently observed, although underlying mental processes remain similar.

Brain-based learning challenges affecting some individuals, regardless of their cultural background.

The act of exchanging ideas and information between people from different cultural backgrounds. While language might differ, fundamental principles of communication remain.

A feeling of isolation or disconnection from others. This feeling can be affected by shyness and low self-esteem, but the experience is present in all cultures.

Humans share fundamental psychological and biological processes, despite variations in attitudes and behaviors.

A branch of psychology focused on understanding human strengths, well-being, and positive experiences.

This perspective suggests that unconscious drives, early childhood experiences, and unresolved conflicts shape our personality and behavior.

This perspective focuses on how observable behaviors are learned through conditioning and association. It emphasizes the role of rewards and punishments in shaping actions.

This perspective explores how we process, store, and retrieve information, and how these processes influence our thinking, problem solving, and memory.

This perspective investigates how our behavior and thinking are influenced by the people around us and the culture we live in. It emphasizes the impact of social norms, values, and expectations.

These are hidden desires, motivations, and impulses that are not readily accessible to our conscious mind. The psychodynamic perspective suggests that they significantly influence our behavior.

These are significant negative experiences that occur during childhood and can profoundly impact a person's emotional and psychological development.

It refers to the process of learning through associations. Behaviors are learned through repeated pairing with stimuli or events.

This approach recognizes that psychological events are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

An in-depth study of a single individual or a small group.

Applying the findings from a case study to a larger population.

Observing behavior in its natural setting without manipulation.

Large datasets from various sources, like social media, phone apps, and online searches.

How technology has transformed naturalistic observations into big science.

Data collected without revealing individual identities.

Analyzing language in social media to understand human emotions.

Findings from case studies may not be applicable to everyone.

The tendency to believe, after an event has occurred, that we knew it would happen all along.

An exaggerated belief in one's own abilities, knowledge, and judgments.

The tendency to see patterns in random events even when no pattern exists.

A set of beliefs and assumptions based on personal experiences and cultural influences.

Repeating a statement, whether true or false, increases its believability and makes it seem more accurate.

Misconceptions that are easy to remember and seem familiar are often stronger in our minds than hard truths, even if inaccurate.

The scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, to challenge common sense assumptions and refine our understanding of the world.

Our ability to think without considering biases and assumptions leads to inaccurate judgements and conclusions.

A clinical psychologist studies, assesses, and treats people with psychological disorders but usually does not provide medical therapy.

Community psychology aims to improve the well-being of individuals and communities by focusing on factors that influence them, like social, economic, and political forces.

The phenomenon that repeated self-testing and rehearsing previously learnt material helps to improve memory retention and understanding.

The belief that mental abilities are like a muscle and can be strengthened through effort and learning.

Psychology offers research-backed strategies for effective learning, such as repeated self-testing and rehearsal, which improve memory retention and understanding.

Humans are social animals; we need strong relationships for well-being and happiness. Social support and caring friends promote both mental and physical health.

Regular physical activity boosts health and energy, and it serves as an effective remedy for mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

By adopting healthy habits, such as sleeping well, exercising, setting goals, and cultivating growth mindsets, we can live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.