Introduction to Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is a threat to internal validity when conducting an experiment?

Clearly defining the dependent variable

Using a double-blind design

Manipulating the independent variable

Introducing a confound (correct)

In the Stanford marshmallow experiment, what was primarily being tested?

The relationship between SES and cognitive ability

The physical presence of treats on behavior

Delays in gratification associated with age (correct)

The effectiveness of different types of rewards

What potential issue arises if participants are aware of which treatment they are receiving during an experiment?

There is no impact on the dependent variable

Double-blind designs are unnecessary

Confounding variables become irrelevant

Demand characteristics may distort results (correct)

What was one key finding from the large-scale replication of the marshmallow experiment conducted in 2018?

Weak correlations between delay of gratification and later outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a double-blind design in experiments?

To eliminate researcher bias in outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of random selection in research studies?

To ensure every participant has an equal chance of being chosen Signup and view all the answers

Why is operational definition important in research?

It translates a research question into testable procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using naturalistic observation in research?

It offers rich and detailed information about behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What does a case study primarily focus on in research?

An in-depth analysis of a single individual or setting Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is best suited for identifying relationships between variables?

Correlational designs Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the founder of modern psychology and established the first psychology lab in 1879?

Wilhelm Wundt Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective in psychology focuses on the role of unconscious processes and was developed by Sigmund Freud?

Psychoanalysis Signup and view all the answers

What method did Wilhelm Wundt and E.B. Titchener use to study consciousness?

Introspection Signup and view all the answers

Which psychologist is associated with functionalism and studied how mental processes function?

William James Signup and view all the answers

Which school of thought emphasizes observable behavior and was prominently developed by John Watson?

Behaviourism Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology did the school of structuralism primarily focus on?

The structure of the mind Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological school of thought was influenced by the theory of natural selection?

Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

What did Sigmund Freud primarily investigate through his work in psychoanalysis?

Unconscious mind Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To manage involuntary bodily functions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the sympathetic nervous system?

It facilitates 'fight or flight' reactions. Signup and view all the answers

How does oxytocin primarily influence social behavior?

By fostering attachment and caring for others Signup and view all the answers

What role does the pituitary gland serve in the endocrine system?

It releases hormones that control other glands. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological measures are commonly used in polygraph testing?

Respiration rate and galvanic skin response Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the generation of an action potential?

Resting potential Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during depolarization of a neuron?

Sodium ions rush into the neuron Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with regulating sleep and alertness?

Norepinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of reuptake in neurotransmission?

To remove excess neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft Signup and view all the answers

How does an agonist function within the realm of neurotransmitters?

It mimics or enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the refractory period in neuron firing?

The neuron will not fire regardless of stimulation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'electrochemical communication'?

The combined process of electrical signals and neurotransmitter release Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'all or none law' in action potentials?

Once threshold is met, neurons either fire fully or not at all Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes.
Psychologists describe, predict, explain and influence human actions and mental processes.
Psychology was originally part of philosophy.
Wilhelm Wundt founded the first psychology lab in 1879.

Theoretical Schools of Thought in Psychology

Structuralism: Focuses on the structure and characteristics of the mind through introspection (Wilhelm Wundt and Edward B. Titchener).
Functionalism: Focuses on how the mind works and its functions, understanding how behavior helps people adapt to their environment (William James).
Psychodynamic: Focuses on the unconscious mind and its impact on human behavior (Sigmund Freud).
Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behavior and how it is learned through conditioning (John B. Watson).
Cognitivism: Focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and language (George Miller & Ulric Neisser).

Research Methods in Psychology

Naturalistic Observation: Observing behavior in a natural setting.
Case Study: In-depth analysis of a single person or setting.
Self-Report Measures and Surveys: Gathering data from individuals through questionnaires or interviews.
Correlational Designs: Studying the relationship between variables.
Experimental Designs: Studying cause-and-effect relationships through controlled experiments.

### Important Concepts In Research

Population: The entire group of individuals that a researcher is interested in studying.
Sample: A smaller group of people drawn from the population that participates in a study.
Random Selection: Choosing participants from a larger population in such a way that everyone has an equal chance of being selected.
Operational Definition: Translating a general research question into specific measurable procedures that can be observed.

### The Neuron

Action Potential: A brief electrical charge that travels down a neuron, transmitting neural messages.
Resting Potential: The neuron is polarized, with a negative charge inside and a positive charge outside.
Depolarization: The neuron's gates open, allowing sodium ions (Na+) to rush in, reversing the charge.
Repolarization: Potassium ions flow out, restoring the neuron's original charge.
Refractory Period: A brief period of time where the neuron won't fire, no matter how much stimulation it receives.

### Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that help neurons communicate with other neurons, muscles, and glands.
Excitatory: Neurotransmitters that make it more likely that a neuron will fire.
Inhibitory: Neurotransmitters that make it less likely that a neuron will fire.
Agonist: Mimics or enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter.
Antagonist: Blocks or impedes the normal activity of a neurotransmitter.

### The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary bodily functions (heart rate, breathing, digestion).
Sympathetic Nervous System: "Fight or flight" response, preparing the body for action.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: "Rest and digest" response, calming the body and restoring energy.

### The Polygraph

Uses physiological measures linked to the ANS (galvanic skin response, heart rate) to detect deception.

### The Pituitary Gland

Controlled by the hypothalamus.
Releases hormones that influence growth, blood pressure, and other functions.

### Oxytocin

The "love hormone" associated with child-mother attachment, maternal and romantic love, and trust.

### Sensation & Perception

Sensation: receiving information from the environment
Perception: interpreting and organizing sensory information to give it meaning

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of psychology, including its definition, historical origins, and major theoretical schools of thought. Learn about figures like Wilhelm Wundt and Sigmund Freud, and delve into key research methods used in the field. This quiz is perfect for anyone looking to understand the basics of psychology.