Introduction to Psychology Basics
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of psychology as defined in the provided content?

  • Studying human emotions and relationships
  • Evaluating statistical data on human behavior
  • The science of behavior and mental processes (correct)
  • Understanding physical health and illness

Who opened the first psychology lab in 1879, marking the beginning of scientific psychology?

  • William Wundt (correct)
  • Edward B. Titchener
  • Carl Rogers
  • Sigmund Freud

Which of the following best describes structuralism in psychology?

  • The analysis of behavior in social contexts
  • The investigation of mental processes as responses to stimuli
  • The application of psychological principles in industry
  • The study of conscious experiences through personal reflection (correct)

What is the primary concern of functionalism in psychology?

<p>The practical functions of the conscious mind (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enduring issue in psychology examines the balance between genetic predispositions and environmental influences?

<p>Nature - Nurture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological division focuses on the assessment and treatment of mental disorders?

<p>Clinical or Counseling Psychology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Introspection was primarily used in which psychological approach?

<p>Structuralism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of how individuals interact in social contexts is the focus of which division of psychology?

<p>Social Psychology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological approach emphasizes observable behavior instead of unobservable mental processes?

<p>Behaviorism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Gestalt psychology?

<p>The mind as a complete, integrated whole (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the concept of self-actualization?

<p>Abraham Maslow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Phi phenomenon demonstrate?

<p>The motion perception from a series of images (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a correlation coefficient of 0?

<p>No correlation between the variables (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is primarily used to gather in-depth information about rare phenomena?

<p>Case Study (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which psychological perspective is repressed childhood experience most emphasized?

<p>Psychoanalysis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of operational definitions in scientific research?

<p>To describe variables in detail (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods allows for observation in a natural environment?

<p>Naturalistic Observation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates correlation from causation?

<p>Causation shows that one variable directly influences another. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about surveys is true?

<p>Surveys are often based on self-reports, which can be unreliable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of cognitive neuroscience?

<p>To investigate the biological basis of cognitive processes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive correlation coefficient indicate?

<p>As one variable increases, the other variable also increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do motor neurons play in the nervous system?

<p>Transmit signals from the brain to the body (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

<p>Occipital Lobe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the corpus callosum?

<p>Connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating homeostatic processes such as body temperature?

<p>Hypothalamus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the somatosensory cortex?

<p>Processing body sensations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the corpus callosum is cut in individuals with extreme epilepsy?

<p>Reduction in seizure frequency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique can detect brain activity and functioning using radioactive dye?

<p>PET (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function is primarily associated with the frontal lobe?

<p>Higher mental functioning and decision making (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved in controlling smooth body movements?

<p>Substantia Nigra (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the limbic system?

<p>Mediating emotional responses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the reticular formation in the brain?

<p>Regulating sleep/wake cycles and arousal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique provides the highest level of detail for brain structures?

<p>fMRI (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'contralateral' in relation to brain function?

<p>The left hemisphere connects to the right side of the body (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a small p value, such as 0.05, indicate about the results of a hypothesis test?

<p>The hypothesis is probably correct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a controlled experiment, what is the purpose of the experimental group?

<p>To be exposed to the independent variable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does inter-rater reliability measure in research?

<p>The consistency in observations by different researchers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between elaborative studying and retrieval practice?

<p>Elaborative studying focuses on meaning, while retrieval practice focuses on recalling information (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of experiment ensures that both participants and experimenters are unaware of group assignments?

<p>Double blind experiment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of meta-analysis in research?

<p>Examining the results of various studies on the same topic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept defines the ability of a test to measure what it is intended to measure?

<p>Validity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for results to be considered statistically significant in research?

<p>The p value must be 0.05 or smaller (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a placebo in experiments?

<p>To control for psychological effects in participants (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When researchers manipulate one variable to examine its effect on another in a study, what are they conducting?

<p>Controlled experiment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of memory stages according to the described framework?

<p>Encoding, Storage, Retrieval (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of distributed practice in study techniques?

<p>Spacing study activities over time (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is most focused on creating associations between verbal materials?

<p>Keyword mnemonic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a double blind experiment prevent that a single blind experiment cannot?

<p>Bias from the experimenters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about validity and reliability is accurate?

<p>Reliability does not guarantee validity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What component of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements?

<p>Somatic Nervous System (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during depolarization in a neuron?

<p>Positive sodium ions flow into the neuron. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a neuron is primarily responsible for receiving signals from other neurons?

<p>Dendrites (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission?

<p>To carry signals through the synapse between neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the process of reuptake at the synapse?

<p>Leftover neurotransmitters are absorbed back into the presynaptic neuron. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the All-or-None law in action potentials?

<p>Action potentials occur with the same magnitude regardless of stimulus size. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The process of saltatory conduction refers to which action in neurons?

<p>Jumping of action potentials between myelin sheath gaps. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system is correct?

<p>It regulates involuntary bodily functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical resting potential voltage of a neuron?

<p>-70 millivolts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of myelin in neurons?

<p>To insulate axons and speed up message transmission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily do?

<p>Calms the body and conserves energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the neuron carries signals away from the soma?

<p>Axon (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the space between neurons where communication occurs?

<p>Synapse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does a neuron become more negatively charged after an action potential?

<p>Hyperpolarization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do receptors play in the postsynaptic membrane?

<p>They bind to neurotransmitters and initiate response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is psychology?

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

What is behavior?

Actions or reactions that can be observed and measured.

What are mental processes?

Internal mental processes such as thoughts, feelings, and memories.

What are the goals of psychology?

To describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes.

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What are levels of analysis?

Different levels of analysis used in psychology to understand behavior and mental processes.

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What is the nature-nurture debate?

A long-standing debate in psychology about the relative influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

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When did scientific psychology begin?

The first psychology lab, founded by William Wundt in 1879 in Leipzig, Germany, marked the beginning of scientific psychology.

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Probability

The likelihood of an event occurring or the truth of a statement.

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P-Value

A statistical value that represents the probability of obtaining the observed results if there were no real relationship between the variables.

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Controlled Experiment

A research method designed to test cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

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Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the experimenter.

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Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment.

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Experimental Group

A group of participants in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable.

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Control Group

A group of participants in an experiment that does not receive the independent variable.

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Placebo

A fake treatment or substance that is given to the control group in an experiment.

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Double-Blind Experiment

A study where neither the experimenter nor the participants know which group is receiving the treatment.

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Single-Blind Experiment

A study where only the participants are unaware of which group they are assigned to.

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Meta-Analysis

A statistical method used to combine the results of multiple studies on the same topic.

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Replication

Repeating an experiment with different participants and in different settings to ensure the results are reliable.

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Reliability

The consistency and reproducibility of a study's results.

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Validity

The accuracy of a measure in reflecting what it is intended to measure.

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Ethics in Psychology

A set of ethical guidelines that psychologists must follow in their research.

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Humanism

A theoretical approach in psychology that focuses on the conscious mind and an individual's potential for growth and self-actualization.

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Self-Actualization

A process of becoming true to one's inner self and reaching full potential. It involves realizing one's unique abilities and aspirations.

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Psychoanalysis

A school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the study of the unconscious mind, particularly its influence on behavior and mental processes.

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Neuropsychology

The study of the biological processes that underlie actions, emotions, mental experiences, and behavior.

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Cognitive Neuroscience

A field of study that combines principles and methods from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and computer science to understand the brain processes involved in cognition. It uses advanced brain imaging techniques to investigate how the brain works.

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Phi Phenomenon

The theory that the brain perceives a series of images presented in quick succession as a single, continuous image, creating the illusion of motion.

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Gestalt Psychology

A school of thought in psychology that emerged in Germany, emphasizing that the mind must be viewed as a whole and not broken down into separate elements. This theory highlights the importance of perception and how the 'whole is greater than the sum of its parts'.

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Scientific Method in Psychology

The scientific method is a systematic process used in psychology to investigate and understand behavior and mental processes. It involves defining a research question, proposing a hypothesis, designing a study, conducting the research, analyzing the data, and drawing conclusions.

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Correlation Does Not Equal Causation

The idea that the relationship between two variables does not necessarily imply that one causes the other. Even if there is a strong correlation, it doesn't guarantee a causal link.

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Correlational Experiment

A method used to study the relationship between two or more variables. It helps determine the extent to which variables are linked and how well one variable predicts the other, but it does not establish causality.

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Correlation Coefficient

A statistical measure that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables. It ranges from -1 to +1, with 0 representing no correlation, +1 representing a perfect positive correlation, and -1 representing a perfect negative correlation.

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Case Study

A study that focuses on a single individual or a specific case. It can provide valuable insights into rare or unusual phenomena, but the results may not be generalizable to the broader population.

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Naturalistic Observation

A research method that involves observing individuals or animals in their natural environment. It allows for the study of naturally occurring behavior but can be susceptible to observer bias and difficulties in establishing cause and effect.

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Survey

A research method involving questionnaires or interviews given to a group of people to collect data and analyze their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or experiences. It can be efficient for gathering large amounts of data but is subject to self-report bias and may lack accuracy.

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Hypothesis

A specific prediction about the relationship between two or more events.

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Operational Definition

A detailed description of how a variable will be measured or manipulated in a research study.

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Theory

A system of interrelated ideas used to explain a set of observations.

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Behavioral Neuroscience/ Biological Psychology

The study of the brain and its components.

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Nervous System

A communication network that transmits messages throughout the body.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

The control center of the nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

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Afferent/Sensory Nerves

Nerves that carry sensory information from the body towards the CNS.

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Efferent/Motor Nerves

Nerves that carry motor commands from the CNS to the body.

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Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions of the body.

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Sympathetic Nervous System

The part of the ANS that triggers the 'fight or flight' response.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the ANS that calms the body down after a 'fight or flight' response.

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Neuron

A brain cell that receives, processes, and transmits signals.

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Soma/Cell Body

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus.

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Dendrites

Branches extending from the soma that receive signals from other neurons.

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Axon

The long projection that extends from the soma and carries signals away.

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Myelin Sheath

The insulating material that speeds up signal transmission in some axons.

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Terminals

Branches at the end of the axon that transmit signals to other neurons.

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Cerebral Cortex

Part of the brain responsible for higher mental functioning like language, memory, and decision-making. It's also the largest part of the brain.

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Fissures/Sulci

The wrinkles in the brain, which increase surface area and allow for more complex brain function.

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Gyri

The bumps in the brain that are formed by the wrinkles, increasing the surface area for more complex brain function.

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Hemispheres

The two sides of the cerebrum, separated by the longitudinal fissure. They are responsible for different cognitive functions, but work together.

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Contralateral Control

The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body.

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Corpus Callosum

A thick band of nerve fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain, allowing them to communicate.

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Frontal Lobe

The lobe responsible for voluntary movement, planning, decision-making, and higher cognitive functions.

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Parietal Lobe

The lobe located at the top back of the brain, responsible for processing sensory information (touch, temperature, etc.).

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Occipital Lobe

The lobe located in the back of the brain, responsible for processing visual information.

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Temporal Lobe

The lobe located underneath the other lobes, responsible for processing auditory information and memory.

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Thalamus

A structure in the forebrain that acts as a relay station for sensory information, sending it to the appropriate parts of the brain.

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Limbic System

A group of structures in the forebrain that are involved in processing emotions, memory, and motivation.

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Substantia Nigra

A structure in the midbrain responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in movement control.

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Medulla

A structure in the hindbrain that controls vital autonomic functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

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Plasticity

The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences or environmental changes.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology - Study Notes

  • Psychology Defined: The scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Began in 1879, evolving from ancient Greek philosophical roots.

  • Science of Psychology: Focuses on observable actions (behavior) and internal processes (mental processes).

  • Goals of Psychology: Describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes.

  • Levels of Analysis: Examines behavior from different perspectives: brain (cellular/molecular), individual, group interactions.

  • Enduring Issues: Recurring topics in psychology, including:

    • Person-Situation Interaction
    • Internal vs. External Factors
    • Nature vs. Nurture
    • Stability vs. Change
    • Diversity vs. Universality
    • Mind-Body Connection

  • Divisions in Psychology: Clinical/Counseling, Cognitive, Developmental, Experimental, Industrial/Organizational, Social Psychology.

History of Psychology

  • Ancient Roots: Psychology emerged from philosophical inquiry in ancient Greece (Plato, Socrates, Aristotle).

  • Scientific Beginnings: William Wundt established the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany in 1879.

    • Focused on studying the conscious mind.

  • Structuralism: Led by Edward B. Titchener (Wundt's student), aimed to analyze basic elements of the mind through introspection. Compared psychology to chemistry.

  • Functionalism: Pioneered by William James, focused on the "why" of mental processes, inspired by Darwin's theory of evolution. Used stream of consciousness as a concept.

  • Gestalt Psychology: German psychologists who opposed structuralism, emphasized the whole as more significant than the sum of its parts. Example includes the phi phenomenon.

  • Psychoanalysis: Developed by Sigmund Freud, emphasized the unconscious mind and the influence of early childhood experiences on behavior, emphasizing repressed memories and sexual urges.

  • Behaviorism: Focused on observable behaviors, dismissing the unobservable conscious mind, exemplified by Watson and Skinner (radical behaviorism) and his famed Skinner box experiments.

  • Humanism: Emphasized the potential for personal growth and fulfillment, promoting a positive approach to psychology, using concepts such as self-actualization. Advocated by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.

Experimental Psychology & Statistics

  • Scientific Method Components:

    • Defining a research problem
    • Formulating hypotheses
    • Designing research studies
    • Analyzing data
    • Reporting results
    • Developing theories.

  • Key Scientific Components:

    • Events: Observable phenomena.
    • Hypotheses: Specific predictions about events.
    • Variables: Measurable factors.
    • Operational definitions: Precise descriptions of variables.
    • Theories: Explanation for observed events.

  • Research Methods:

    • Case studies: In-depth analysis of one individual.
    • Naturalistic observation: Observing behavior in its natural environment.
    • Surveys: Collecting data through questionnaires/interviews.
    • Correlational studies: Examining relationships between variables, but not cause-and-effect.
    • Experiments: Manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

  • Correlation and Causation: Correlation does not equal causation.

  • Statistics:

    • Samples and populations: Selecting study groups.
    • Correlation coefficients: “r,” measures the strength and direction of relationships (-1 to +1).
    • Probability and p-values: Assess the likelihood results occurred by chance, with smaller values being more significant.
    • Controlled Experiments: Designed to isolate cause-and-effect relationships, employing random assignment, controls, and independent variables (IV), dependent variables (DV). Importance of placebos, double-blind studies to avoid experimenter bias.
    • Reliability and Validity: Consistency and accuracy (a reliable measure is not always valid).

Biological Psychology

  • Behavioral Neuroscience: Studies the brain and its role in behavior.

  • Nervous System:

    • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
    • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Nerves outside the CNS.
      • Somatic nervous system: Controls voluntary movements.
      • Autonomic nervous system (ANS): Controls involuntary functions (sympathetic/parasympathetic).

  • Neurons:

    • Structure (soma, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, terminals).
    • Electrical signaling and action potential.
    • Electrochemical communication at synapses (neurotransmitters, receptors, reuptake).

  • Brain Regions:

    • Cerebral Cortex (four lobes, including frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital; their functions in the brain)
    • Subcortical Structures (thalamus, limbic system, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus).
    • Midbrain (reticular formation, substantia nigra).
    • Hindbrain (medulla, pons, cerebellum).

  • Brain Imaging Techniques: EEG, CAT, PET, MRI, fMRI (used to study the brain and diagnose issues).

  • Brain Plasticity: The brain's ability to change and adapt. Damage or skill learning impact this.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of psychology, including key figures, historical developments, and different psychological approaches. This quiz covers topics such as structuralism, functionalism, and the nature vs. nurture debate.

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