AP Psychology Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is random sampling?

A method where researchers select a subset of individuals at random from a larger population to study.

What does REM stand for?

Rapid Eye Movement

What is replication in research?

The process of repeating a study using different participants to verify the results.

What is the reticular formation?

A part of the brain located in the brain stem that regulates motor control, sensory control, visceral control, and consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a scatter plot?

A visual representation of the relationship between two numerical variables using points plotted on a graph. Signup and view all the answers

What is a schema?

A cognitive framework that helps organize and interpret information. Signup and view all the answers

What is selective attention?

The process of focusing conscious awareness on a specific stimulus in a noisy environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are sensory neurons?

Neurons that transmit sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Social Learning Theory?

A theory stating that social behaviors are learned primarily through observation and imitation. Signup and view all the answers

What does statistical significance indicate?

The probability that a result from a statistical test did not occur by chance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a survey?

A method for collecting information from individuals through self-report data. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Accommodation' refer to in psychology?

A process involving new experiences altering existing schemas Signup and view all the answers

Define acetylcholine.

The most common neurotransmitter found in the CNS and PNS. Signup and view all the answers

What is assimilation in the context of psychology?

Incorporating new information into existing ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Bias is always detrimental in decision making.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is Broca's area responsible for?

Producing language. Signup and view all the answers

What is a case study?

An in-depth study of one person. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cerebellum?

Motor skills such as balance and coordination. Signup and view all the answers

Confidentiality is not important in psychology.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does consciousness refer to?

Individual awareness of thoughts, feelings, and environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a correlation coefficient?

A statistical measure ranging from -1.0 to +1.0 indicating relationship strength. Signup and view all the answers

Define crystallized intelligence.

Knowledge and skills accumulated over a lifetime. Signup and view all the answers

What is culture in psychological terms?

The set of ideas, behaviors, and traditions within large groups. Signup and view all the answers

What does debriefing entail?

Explaining the study's purpose and addressing any participant concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The variable being measured in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What does double-blind research involve?

Both participant and researcher are unaware of the treatment condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the current understanding about why we dream?

Theories include memory consolidation and emotional regulation. Signup and view all the answers

Define egocentrism.

Inability to see perspectives other than one's own. Signup and view all the answers

What is experimental research?

A branch of psychology focused on using empirical methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus?

Vital for the formation of memories. Signup and view all the answers

Define independent variable.

The manipulated variable in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What is informed consent?

Permission given by participants before a study. Signup and view all the answers

What are interneurons?

Neurons that transmit information within the CNS. Signup and view all the answers

Define motor neurons.

Neurons that carry information from the CNS to muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is myelin sheath?

A fatty substance covering neurons that increases signal speed. Signup and view all the answers

What is naturalistic observation?

Studying behavior in real settings without interference. Signup and view all the answers

Define neural impulse.

A spike of electrical activity traveling down a neuron. Signup and view all the answers

What is an operational definition?

A statement detailing the procedures to measure behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the occipital lobe located?

At the rear of the head. Signup and view all the answers

What is the parasympathetic nervous system?

A part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy. Signup and view all the answers

What does random assignment help with in research?

Ensuring treatment and control groups are equivalent. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Accommodation

Proposed by Jean Piaget, accommodation involves modifying existing schemas or creating new ones due to new information.

Acetylcholine

Acetylcholine (ACh) is the most prevalent neurotransmitter, found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Assimilation

Assimilation, a concept by Jean Piaget, refers to integrating new experiences into existing schemas, often distorting the new information to fit preexisting beliefs.

Bias

Bias indicates a tendency that can be helpful, yet cognitive shortcuts may lead to irrational decisions and discriminatory practices if not recognized.

Broca's Area

Named after Paul Broca, this cerebral cortex region is crucial for language production; damage leads to difficulty forming words, although comprehension remains intact.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of an individual’s life used primarily in clinical settings; findings are often subjective and hard to generalize.

Cerebellum

Located near the brainstem, the cerebellum is essential for motor skills, including balance, coordination, posture, and eye movement.

Confidentiality

A fundamental ethical principle in psychology, confidentiality ensures that participants' private information remains protected during psychological discussions.

Consciousness

Consciousness encompasses individual awareness of thoughts, memories, feelings, sensations, and the environment.

Correlation Coefficient

The correlation coefficient (r) measures the strength of a relationship between two variables, ranging from -1.0 to +1.0, indicating positive or negative correlations.

Crystallized Intelligence

Refers to accumulated knowledge and skills over a lifetime, which typically increases with age.

Culture

A collection of ideas, behaviors, and traditions within large groups, culture is transmitted across generations and is often resistant to change.

Debriefing

A post-study process where researchers explain the study's purpose, address deception if used, and discuss potential harm.

Dependent Variable

The measured variable in an experiment to determine the impact of the independent variable on it.

Double-Blind Research

An experimental design where both participants and researchers are unaware of the treatment conditions to eliminate bias.

Dreaming

The function of dreaming remains unclear with theories suggesting roles in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and threat simulation.

Egocentrism

A concept from Piaget’s theory; it describes a child's inability to understand perspectives other than their own, evident in preoperational development.

Experimental Research

A branch focused on applying experimental methods to study behavior and mental processes, guided by the scientific method.

Hippocampus

A critical structure in the limbic system necessary for forming new memories.

Independent Variable

The manipulated variable in an experiment that is presumed to influence the dependent variable.

A process where participants acknowledge understanding the details, risks, and voluntary nature of their involvement in research.

Interneurons

Neurons found in the CNS that process and transmit information between sensory and motor neurons.

Motor Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to the muscles facilitating movement.

Myelin Sheath

A fatty layer that insulates neurons, enhancing the speed of electrical signal transmission.

Naturalistic Observation

A research technique where behavior is observed in natural settings without interference, providing insights into genuine behavior.

Neural Impulse

A brief electric charge that travels along a neuron, essential for prompt responses to stimuli, such as moving away from heat.

Operational Definition

A clear statement of procedures used to define and measure variables in research.

Occipital Lobe

The area at the rear of the brain primarily responsible for processing visual information.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A component of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy, regulating functions like heart rate and digestion.

Random Assignment

A method used to assign participants to groups randomly, ensuring comparability between control and treatment groups before treatment.

Random Sampling

A technique for selecting participants randomly from a population to create a representative sample for research.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, muscular atonia, and vivid dreaming, occurring every 60-90 minutes during sleep.

Replication

The process of repeating a study to confirm findings, using different participants to assess the generalizability of results.### Reticular Formation
Located in the central core of the brainstem, passing through the medulla and pons to the midbrain.
Functions include motor control, sensory control, visceral control, and control of consciousness.
Motor control involves physical activities such as walking and running.
Sensory control pertains to all senses, including pain perception.
Visceral control regulates automatic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Control of consciousness affects alertness, sleep, and states of awareness.
Damage to the reticular formation can lead to issues with pain, alertness, or physical coordination.

Scatter Plot

Visual representation of relationships between two numerical variables, depicted as points on a graph.
Each point represents a specific pair of data coordinates (x, y) without distinguishing between dependent and independent variables.
Used to identify types of relationships: positive (rising), negative (falling), or no relationship.
Example: Correlating water consumption with duration of jogging by plotting participants’ data points.

Schema

Cognitive system used to organize and make sense of information.
Individuals may develop schemas that shape their perspectives, such as stereotypes about certain groups.
Schemas influence actions and information processing by highlighting confirming information and ignoring contradictory details.
Can hinder memory retention for new information not aligning with established schemas.

Selective Attention

Process of consciously focusing awareness on a specific stimulus amid distractions.
Distinct from general attention as it involves intentional concentration on a chosen subject.
Example: Actively listening to a conversation in a noisy environment.

Sensory Neurons

Also known as afferent neurons, responsible for transmitting information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system.
Carry information from external senses (eyes, ears) and internal sensory organs (e.g., the stomach).
Essential for processing sensory experiences and responding to environmental stimuli.

Developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes learning behaviors through observation and imitation of others.
Social behaviors are influenced by rewards or punishments associated with observed actions.
Example: A child may imitate a sibling's academic success after witnessing rewards for good performance.

Statistical Significance

Refers to the probability that results from a statistical test are due to chance.
Importance lies in establishing that findings are reliable and not accidental occurrences.
Psychologists typically look for a 5% probability threshold (p < 0.05), indicating a 95% confidence level that results are genuine.
Describes results as statistically significant when they surpass this threshold, supporting the validity of research findings.

Survey

Method for collecting data through self-reported information from individuals.
Involves participants answering questions regarding specific topics, providing direct insights based on personal experiences.
Useful for gathering perceptions, preferences, or behaviors among targeted groups, such as students regarding class enjoyment.

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Test your knowledge of key terms in AP Psychology with these flashcards. This quiz includes essential concepts like accommodation and neurotransmitters, providing an interactive way to learn. Perfect for students preparing for exams or wanting to review important topics.