Introduction to Psychology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of correlational research?

  • To determine cause-and-effect relationships
  • To blend in with the group under investigation
  • To manipulate independent variables
  • To describe, observe, and predict relationships between variables (correct)

What does a correlation coefficient (r) of 0 indicate?

  • A strong positive correlation
  • A strong negative correlation
  • A perfect positive correlation
  • No correlation between the variables (correct)

What is a characteristic of experimental research?

  • It cannot control independent variables
  • It can only be performed in a lab
  • It identifies cause-and-effect relationships (correct)
  • It allows researchers to manipulate dependent variables

Which statement is true regarding participant observation?

<p>It involves the researcher actively engaging in the group being studied. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A negative correlation implies which of the following?

<p>One variable increases while the other decreases (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of correlational research?

<p>It cannot determine cause-and-effect relationships. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which value represents a perfect negative correlation?

<p>-1 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a researcher choose correlational research as their first step?

<p>To observe potential relationships before conducting an experiment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of common sense in understanding the natural world?

<p>It cannot produce new knowledge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the scientific method?

<p>Hypotheses must be falsifiable to allow testing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major advantage of using a case study as a research method?

<p>It captures in-depth insights into complex issues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by overconfidence in the context of human judgment?

<p>A belief that one's knowledge and abilities are superior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes empiricism?

<p>The reliance on sensory experience and observations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which way does a case study method pose a disadvantage?

<p>It is susceptible to researcher bias. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of descriptive research methods?

<p>To provide systematic observations and descriptions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a step in the scientific method?

<p>Gather information after identifying the problem. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the dependent variable in an experiment?

<p>It is influenced by the independent variable. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a confounding variable?

<p>Any variable that inadvertently affects the results of an experiment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is random assignment important in experimental design?

<p>It allows equal chances for subjects to be in control or experimental groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to control for when conducting an experiment besides the independent variable?

<p>All other independent variables. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment investigating the effects of milk on bone density, which group does not consume milk?

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

What is the placebo effect?

<p>When a treatment has no real effect but is perceived as effective. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which parts of the nervous system comprise the central nervous system (CNS)?

<p>The brain and spinal cord. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>It connects the CNS to the limbs and organs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes?

<p>Production of the myelin sheath in the CNS (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these ions is primarily found in higher concentrations outside the neuron at rest?

<p>Na^+ (Sodium) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines hyperpolarization in a neuron?

<p>Inside the neuron becomes more negative than -70 mV (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is involved in immune defense in the brain?

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

What is the threshold of excitation for a neuron to fire an action potential?

<p>-50 mV (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect do excitatory messages have on the neuron?

<p>Cause depolarization within the neuron (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the resting state of a neuron?

<p>The neuron is polarized with more negative ions inside (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process do Schwann cells primarily perform?

<p>Produce the myelin sheath in peripheral nerves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the refractory period of a neuron?

<p>The neuron will not fire even if stimulated. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

<p>They send messages between neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to neurotransmitters after they detach from their receptor site?

<p>They may be reabsorbed or degraded. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with excitatory functions?

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

What is a possible consequence of not having neurotransmitters properly degraded or reabsorbed?

<p>The nervous system may become overexcited or overinhibited. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following neurotransmitters is associated with both excitatory and inhibitory functions?

<p>Both B and C (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do drugs affect the communication between neurons?

<p>They interfere at the level of the synapse. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of low dopamine levels?

<p>Feelings of depression and lack of motivation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a neuron receives inhibitory messages?

<p>Chloride channels open, leading to an influx of chloride ions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result when sodium ions enter a neuron?

<p>The inside of the neuron becomes less negative. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event indicates that a neuron is at its resting potential?

<p>The charge inside the neuron is -70mv. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a neuron's charge during depolarization?

<p>It becomes less negative due to sodium influx. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nodes of Ranvier?

<p>They facilitate the entry and exit of ions through channels. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after a neuron fires?

<p>Potassium channels open, allowing potassium ions to exit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of potassium efflux from the neuron?

<p>The neuron moves towards hyperpolarization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is necessary for a neuron to fire?

<p>Sodium ions must increase the charge to -50mv. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to understanding the world, involving identifying a problem, gathering information, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Falsifiable Hypothesis

A hypothesis that can be proven wrong through testing.

Descriptive Research

A research method used to systematically and objectively observe and describe phenomena, but cannot determine cause and effect.

Case Study

An in-depth study of one person or a small group of people, suitable for studying complex or rare cases.

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Researcher Bias

The tendency of researchers to unconsciously influence their observations and conclusions.

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Generalizability

The extent to which findings from a study can be applied to other populations or situations.

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Intuition

Gut feeling or instinctive understanding, unreliable for scientific understanding of the natural world.

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Empiricism

The idea that the best way to know is to use our senses.

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Participant Observation

A research method where the researcher joins the group being studied.

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Correlational Research

Finds relationships between variables, but cannot prove cause and effect.

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Positive Correlation

Variables change in the same direction (both up or both down).

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Negative Correlation

Variables change in opposite directions (one up, one down).

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Correlation Coefficient (r)

A number between -1 and +1 that measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.

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Experimental Research

The only research method that can show cause-and-effect relationships.

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Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher manipulates to see its effect on another variable.

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Researcher Influence

The presence of the researcher can affect study results.

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Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that is exposed to the independent variable.

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Control Group

The group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable; used for comparison

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Confounding Variable

An unanticipated variable that could affect the dependent variable, potentially distorting the results.

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Random Assignment

A method to assign participants to groups in an experiment at random, ensuring each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to either group.

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Placebo Effect

A change in the dependent variable caused by the expectation of a treatment, rather than the treatment itself.

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Central Nervous System (CNS)

Part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

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Neuron at rest

Neuron is not firing, communicating, or producing an action potential. Inside the neuron is more negative than outside.

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Inhibitory message

Instructs the neuron not to fire. Makes the inside of the neuron more negative.

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Excitatory message

Instructs the neuron to fire, or communicate. Makes the inside of the neuron less negative.

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Threshold of excitation

The electrical charge (-50mV) inside the neuron that needs to be reached for an action potential to occur.

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Polarized Neuron

A neuron that is at rest; more negative ions inside the neuron, more positive ions outside the neuron.

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Intracellular Fluid

The fluid inside a neuron.

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Extracellular Fluid

The fluid outside a neuron.

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Glial Cells

Different types of support cells in the nervous system that have various functions including myelin production and immune response.

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Nodes of Ranvier

Gaps in the myelin sheath covering axons, allowing ions to flow in and out of the neuron.

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Ion Channels

Specialized proteins in the cell membrane that allow specific ions to pass through.

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Hyperpolarization

The state of a neuron becoming more negative inside, making it less likely to fire.

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Depolarization

The state of a neuron becoming less negative inside, making it more likely to fire.

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Resting Potential

The stable, negative electrical charge inside a neuron when it is not firing.

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What happens when potassium channels open?

Potassium ions move out of the neuron (efflux), decreasing the positive charge inside and returning the neuron to its resting potential.

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How does a neuron return to its resting potential?

After sodium channels open and sodium ions enter, potassium channels open, causing potassium ions to leave, restoring the negative charge inside the neuron.

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Refractory Period

A brief period after a neuron fires where it is unable to fire again, due to the membrane being hyperpolarized (more negative than resting potential).

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Sodium-Potassium Pump

A mechanism that actively pumps sodium ions out of the neuron and potassium ions back into the neuron to restore the neuron's resting potential.

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Presynaptic Neuron

The neuron sending a signal across the synapse.

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Neurotransmitter (NTM)

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons across the synapse.

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Receptor Site

Specific location on a neuron where a neurotransmitter binds.

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Reuptake & Degradation

Two ways neurotransmitters are removed from the synapse after delivering a message:

  • Reuptake: The presynaptic neuron reabsorbs the neurotransmitter for later use.
  • Degradation: Enzymes break down the neurotransmitter, making it inactive.
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Excitatory & Inhibitory Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters that either excite or inhibit the receiving neuron:

  • Excitatory: Increase the likelihood of the receiving neuron firing.
  • Inhibitory: Decrease the likelihood of the receiving neuron firing.
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Dopamine's Roles

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter with various important roles, including:

  • Motivation & Pleasure: Promotes feelings of reward and motivation.
  • Motor Control: Involved in coordinating movement.
  • Mood Regulation: Impacts emotional states, contributing to happiness.
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Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

  • Psychology is a science
  • Studying how people think, feel, and behave
  • Includes all aspects of human life

Why Study Psychology?

  • Intuition can be misleading when understanding the natural world
  • Common sense isn't universal and doesn't provide new knowledge
  • People tend to be overconfident

How Do We Know?

  • Rationalism: questioning our senses and experiences
  • Empiricism: relying on observations

The Scientific Method

  • Identify the problem
  • Gather information
  • Develop a hypothesis
  • Conduct an experiment
  • Analyze data and draw conclusions
  • Restart the process

Hypothesis Development

  • Tentative statement about relationships between variables
  • Must be falsifiable (testable)
  • Replication of studies is important for increasing confidence in findings.

Types of Research Methods

A. Descriptive Research

  • Systematically observe and describe behaviors
  • Answers "what" and "when" questions Specific Methods:
  • A.1 Case Study:*
  • In-depth study of individuals or small groups
  • Advantages: valuable for rare cases and in-depth understanding
  • Disadvantages: can't generalize findings to larger populations, researcher biases are possible
  • A.2 Survey:*
  • Collecting data from a large sample of people through questionnaires
  • Advantages: efficiency, can study large populations
  • Disadvantages: sample might not represent the population, response bias is possible
  • A.3 Naturalistic Observation:*
  • Observing behavior in natural settings without interference
  • Advantages: realistic behavior, no manipulation
  • Disadvantages: difficult to control variables, researcher bias may be present
  • A.4 Participant Observation:*
  • Researcher becomes part of the observed group
  • Advantages: deeper understanding, access to otherwise inaccessible groups
  • Disadvantages: researcher's presence might affect behavior

B. Correlational Research

  • Assessing relationships between variables
  • Determine if variables covary; if and how one changes in relation to another
  • Cannot establish cause and effect

C. Experimental Research

  • Manipulate independent variable to see its effect on a dependent variable
  • Control other variables
  • Establish cause-and-effect relationships

Control and Other Variables

  • Controlling confounding variables (other factors) that might affect the results of an experiment
  • Use of independent variables and dependent variables; the independent variable is what the experimenter changes, the dependent variable is the thing affected by the change and thus measured.

Making Sense of Data (from Section 2.7)

  • Subsection 2.7.1 and 2.7.2 are important for the exam.
  • Subsection 2.7.3 is not required for exams.

Cells of the Nervous System

A. Neurons

  • Basic unit of communication in the nervous system
  • Electrochemical process
  • Action potential: electrical signal
  • Neurotransmitters: chemical messengers

B. Glial Cells

  • Support cells for neurons
  • Provide nutrition, insulation, and cleanup

Communication Within Neurons

  • Inside and outside the neuron differ in ion concentrations (chemicals)
  • Sodium, Chloride, Potassium
  • Neuron at rest: negative inside, positive outside Polarization:
  • Excitatory: Inside of neuron becomes less negative (less polarized) causing the neuron to be more likely to fire.
  • Inhibitory: Inside of neuron becomes more negative (more polarized) causing the neuron to be less likely to fire.
  • Threshold for Excitation: The neuron fires when inside reaches about -50mv

Communication Between Neurons

  • Neurotransmitters released into synapse
  • Synaptic vesicles
  • Attach to receptor sites
  • Reuptake or degradation
  • Reuptake, Degradation, and Enzymatic breakdown

Neurotransmitters

  • Chemicals that transmit signals between neurons
  • Types: excitatory, inhibitory, both
  • Examples: dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine
  • Effect on behavior and mood

Drugs and the Brain

  • Drugs interfere with neurotransmitter communication
  • Agonists: enhance neurotransmitter activity
  • Antagonists: block neurotransmitter activity
  • Competitive/noncompetitive drug effects

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational concepts of psychology, including the scientific method, research methods, and the importance of empirical evidence. It delves into how we can study human behavior and thought processes scientifically. Test your understanding of psychological principles and research techniques!

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