Psychology 100 Exam 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of psychology?

A method of therapy involving art

An approach to understanding human emotions

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes (correct)

The artistic expression of thoughts

Who founded the first psychology laboratory?

Wilhelm Wundt

What school of psychology did Edward Titchener found?

Structuralism

Who is known as the founder of functionalism?

William James Signup and view all the answers

What is structuralism?

An early school of psychology that explored the structural elements of the human mind using introspection. Signup and view all the answers

How does functionalism differ from structuralism?

Functionalism focuses on how mental and behavioral processes function. Signup and view all the answers

What is a case study?

An observation technique that studies one person in depth. Signup and view all the answers

What is naturalistic observation?

Observing behavior in natural settings without manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

What does survey research involve?

Gathering primary data by asking people questions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a random sample?

A selection method where each person has an equal chance of being chosen. Signup and view all the answers

What does positive correlation mean?

Large values of one variable are associated with large values of another variable. Signup and view all the answers

What does negative correlation indicate?

Large values of one variable are associated with small values of another. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between correlation and causation?

Correlation is a relationship, while causation indicates one variable causes another. Signup and view all the answers

What is an experiment in psychology?

A research method that manipulates factors to observe effects on behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent variable?

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dependent variable?

The outcome factor that may change in response to manipulations. Signup and view all the answers

What does random assignment do?

Minimizes preexisting differences between groups in an experiment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the biological perspective emphasize?

It emphasizes bodily events and changes related to actions, feelings, and thoughts. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurons?

Individual cells in the nervous system that transmit information. Signup and view all the answers

What is action potential?

A brief electrical charge that travels down an axon. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemical messengers that cross synaptic gaps between neurons. Signup and view all the answers

How does the death of dopamine-producing cells relate to Parkinson's disease?

It leads to symptoms like shaking and difficulty with movement. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the reticular formation play in personality?

It controls arousal and influences sexual arousal based on personality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the left hemisphere of the brain?

It processes logical tasks, including mathematics and language. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the right hemisphere of the brain?

It is superior at nonverbal and spatial tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Closure Grouping Principle refer to?

Filling in gaps in perception when something seems incomplete. Signup and view all the answers

What is plasticity in the context of the brain?

The brain's capacity for modification and reorganization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Psychology

Psychology: Scientific examination of behavior and mental processes.
Structuralism: Early school emphasizing introspection to uncover the human mind's structure, founded by Wilhelm Wundt.
Functionalism: Founded by William James; focuses on mental processes' utility and their role in adaptation and survival.

Foundational Figures

Wilhelm Wundt: Established the first psychology laboratory in 1879, signifying the start of psychology as a science.
Edward Titchener: Protégé of Wundt, emphasized structuralism in psychology.

Research Methods

Case Study: In-depth observation method targeting one individual to uncover broader principles.
Naturalistic Observation: Watching behavior in natural settings without interference.
Survey Research: Method of data collection through questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Sampling Techniques

Random Sample: Each population member has an equal chance of being chosen, ensuring representativeness.

Correlation

Positive Correlation: Both variables increase or decrease together.
Negative Correlation: One variable increases while the other decreases.
Correlation vs. Causation: Correlation indicates a relationship, but it does not imply causation; one does not necessarily cause the other.

Experimental Design

Experiment: Controlled method involving manipulation of independent variables to assess effects on dependent variables.
Independent Variable: Factor that is manipulated; its effect is studied.
Dependent Variable: Outcome factor affected by changes in the independent variable.
Random Assignment: Participants are assigned to different groups randomly to eliminate biases.

Biological Influences

Biological Perspective: Focus on the interplay between bodily processes and psychological phenomena.
Neurons: Basic cells in the nervous system responsible for information transmission.
Action Potential: Brief electrical signal moving along an axon, crucial for neuron communication.

Neurotransmitters and Disorders

Neurotransmitters: Chemicals enabling communication between neurons across synapses.
Dopamine and Parkinson's Disease: Deficiency in dopamine-producing neurons leads to this movement disorder characterized by tremors and rigidity.

Brain Structure and Function

Reticular Formation: Cluster of neurons in the brainstem controlling arousal; personality traits influence arousal levels.
Left Hemisphere: Associated with logical functions like mathematics and language, controls right body movements.
Right Hemisphere: Handles non-verbal and spatial tasks, governs movements on the left side.

Perception Principles

Closure Grouping Principle: The brain’s tendency to fill in gaps, perceiving incomplete figures as whole.
Plasticity: The brain's ability to adapt through reorganization after injury, particularly prominent in children.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from Psychology 100. From the definition of psychology to influential figures like Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener, this quiz is perfect for exam preparation. Get ready to enhance your understanding of the basics of psychology.