Psychology as a Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes pure research from applied research?

  • Pure research has immediate practical applications.
  • Pure research involves collaborative efforts with practitioners.
  • Pure research focuses on social issues.
  • Pure research is motivated by curiosity and seeks knowledge for its own sake. (correct)

Which best describes the main role of school psychologists?

  • To conduct purely academic research.
  • To develop national educational policies.
  • To assist in vocational training programs.
  • To identify and support students facing learning challenges. (correct)

How do educational psychologists differ from school psychologists?

  • Educational psychologists work with individual children.
  • Educational psychologists help schools place students in special classes.
  • Educational psychologists focus on course planning and instructional methods. (correct)
  • Educational psychologists conduct pure research.

What type of difficulties might LGBT clients face, according to the content?

<p>Challenges in coping with prejudice and discrimination. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of educational psychologists in relation to the school system?

<p>Course planning and instructional methods. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main goals of psychology as a science?

<p>To describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes what a satisfactory psychological theory should achieve?

<p>It allows for the prediction of when people will or will not engage in specific behaviors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do psychological theories relate to biological processes?

<p>They presume biological effects influence mental processes and behaviors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the statement that humans are not 'puppets on strings' in psychological studies?

<p>Human behavior is influenced but not completely determined by psychological theories (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of psychological theories is related to feelings of anxiety?

<p>The perception of threat in an environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the relationship between drug responses and learned expectations?

<p>Expectations can influence behavioral reactions to drugs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social settings, which factor is especially pertinent to psychological behavior?

<p>Group dynamics and organizational patterns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do expectations play according to the principles of psychological theories?

<p>They affect the perception and reaction to various stimuli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of continual feedback from users for Cengage Learning?

<p>To adapt to the changing needs of users (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which regions are mentioned as being part of Cengage Learning's market?

<p>Australia, Brazil, and Singapore (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if content from Cengage Learning is copied or duplicated?

<p>Legal action might be initiated due to copyright infringement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who holds the copyright for the content produced by Cengage Learning as mentioned?

<p>Cengage Learning, Inc. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year is indicated on the copyright notice for Cengage Learning's materials?

<p>2020 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the statement 'All Rights Reserved' in the context of Cengage Learning's materials?

<p>It limits the use and distribution of the materials by individuals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Erin Joyner serve in Cengage Learning?

<p>Senior Vice President, Higher Ed Product, Content, and Market Development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard size mentioned for the Inside Front and Inside Back Cover?

<p>8.5 inches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does operant conditioning primarily involve?

<p>Reinforcement and punishment to influence behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for involuntary actions?

<p>Autonomic nervous system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which memory type is most closely associated with the ability to recall personal experiences?

<p>Episodic memory. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of hallucinogenic substances?

<p>They alter perception and reality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is often used to improve long-term memory retention?

<p>Rehearsal and spaced repetition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the study of sensation and perception, which concept explains the minimum difference perceived between two stimuli?

<p>Weber's law. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most crucial in the development of critical thinking skills?

<p>Familiarity with cognitive biases. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes classical conditioning from operant conditioning?

<p>The focus on involuntary versus voluntary behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which brain structure is most directly involved in the processing and consolidation of memory?

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

What is the primary function of the cerebral cortex?

<p>Processing complex sensory information and higher cognitive functions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Gestalt' broadly refer to in psychology?

<p>A pattern or organized whole (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assertion reflects the primary focus of Gestalt psychology?

<p>Emphasizing the importance of context in perception (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the works of German psychologists influence American psychology?

<p>By providing a new perspective on perception and cognition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contrasting view do Gestalt psychologists hold against behaviorists?

<p>Perception plays a crucial role in understanding human psychology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely response interpretation based on context, according to Gestalt psychology?

<p>A fast-approaching person is perceived as a threat in a dark alley (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area focuses on the interactions between individuals and their workplace environment?

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

What do consumer psychologists primarily study?

<p>Consumer purchasing behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of human factors psychologists?

<p>Enhancing user interaction with products and systems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Aristotle contribute to modern psychology despite living 2,400 years ago?

<p>He discussed human behavior and motivation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of organizational psychologists?

<p>To study behavior in business environments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which task is likely performed by consumer psychologists?

<p>Advising on supermarket aisle layouts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology does knowledge of its history help to appreciate?

<p>Theoretical conflicts within the field (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of organizational psychology?

<p>Understanding team dynamics within companies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an unconditioned stimulus?

<p>It produces an automatic response without thought. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Pavlov's experiments, what role does the sound of a tone serve after conditioning?

<p>A conditioned stimulus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term is used to describe the response that occurs due to an unconditioned stimulus?

<p>Unconditioned response. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assumption of behaviorism in the context of learning?

<p>All learning occurs through interactions with the environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a conditioned stimulus?

<p>A previously neutral stimulus that now elicits a response. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a neutral stimulus from an unconditioned stimulus?

<p>A neutral stimulus does not initially trigger a response on its own. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Pavlov's conditioning, what is a likely outcome after repeatedly pairing the tone with food?

<p>The tone will elicit salivation on its own. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in classical conditioning?

<p>It is a stimulus that automatically triggers a response without learning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of classical conditioning does a neutral stimulus become a conditioned stimulus?

<p>During Conditioning Phase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the extinction phase of classical conditioning?

<p>The conditioned stimulus is presented alone without the unconditioned stimulus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the sudden reappearance of a conditioned response after a rest period?

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

What does stimulus generalization refer to in classical conditioning?

<p>The tendency for a conditioned stimulus to evoke similar responses. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the acquisition phase in classical conditioning?

<p>To establish and strengthen the learned response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a conditioned response (CR)?

<p>A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes discrimination in classical conditioning?

<p>It is the ability to differentiate between similar conditioned stimuli. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In classical conditioning, what happens when a neutral stimulus is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus?

<p>An association is created, leading to a learned response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of presenting a conditioned stimulus alone after conditioning has occurred?

<p>It will trigger a conditioned response. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'extinction' refer to in classical conditioning?

<p>The decrease in occurrence of the conditioned response. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conditions such as a child fearing similar fuzzy objects after conditioning to a white rat illustrate which principle?

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

What outcome occurs when the unconditioned stimulus and conditioned stimulus are no longer associated during extinction?

<p>The original conditioned response may rapidly return. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why classical conditioning can lead to rapid formation of associations?

<p>It aids in survival by promoting avoidance of harmful stimuli. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the experiment with Little Albert, which stimulus was initially neutral before the conditioning process?

<p>The white rat. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does operant conditioning differ from classical conditioning in terms of behavior learning?

<p>Operant conditioning uses reinforcement or punishment, while classical conditioning uses neutral stimuli. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did John Garcia and Bob Koelling discover about conditioned taste aversions?

<p>They can form from a single pairing of a taste with a negative reaction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does implicit memory play in classical conditioning?

<p>It facilitates the automatic recall of associations with neutral stimuli. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to apply classical conditioning in therapy?

<p>Using verbal affirmation to reinforce desired behaviors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the outcome of the field study involving coyotes and sheep carcasses?

<p>Coyotes avoided sheep due to a learned aversion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is often directed toward classical conditioning according to psychologists?

<p>It oversimplifies complex human behaviors by being mechanical. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a central idea behind biological preparedness in classical conditioning?

<p>Some associations form easily due to innate survival mechanisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of Ivan Pavlov to the study of learning?

<p>Connecting physiological research with reflex responses and conditioning. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of classical conditioning's application in marketing?

<p>Creating a favorable association between consumers and a product. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which form of therapy is mentioned as regularly using principles of classical conditioning?

<p>Cognitive behavioral therapy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of developing phobias, what does classical conditioning often pair together?

<p>A neutral stimulus with a painful event. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sets apart classical conditioning from other learning processes?

<p>It primarily focuses on involuntary behavioral responses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Copyright 2020 Cengage

Indicates the ownership and legal protection of the content in 2020

Introductory Psychology

A subject area of study about the mind and behavior

Spencer A Rathus

The author of the Introductory Psychology book

Feedback from users

Users' input to improve a product or service

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Cengage Learning

A company that publishes educational resources

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Continual research

Ongoing studies and assessment of the product to adapt to needs

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Psychology's Goals

Psychology, like other sciences, aims to describe, explain, predict, and control events, including behavior and mental processes.

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Psychological Theories

Explanations or models that propose reasons for relationships among events, including behavior, mental processes, and biological processes.

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Behavior

Observable actions of an individual.

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Mental Processes

Internal activities, such as thoughts, feelings, and memories .

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Biological Processes

Body functions and processes related to behavior and mental experiences.

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Control in Psychology

The goal is to describe, explain, predict, and control (understand) aspects of behavior and mental processes.

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Pure Research

Research driven by curiosity and the desire to understand, without immediate practical application.

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Applied Research

Research undertaken to find solutions to specific problems or improve existing practices.

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School Psychologists

Psychologists who work in schools to identify and help students with learning issues.

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Educational Psychologists

Psychologists focused on improving learning in schools, often concentrating on curriculum and teaching methods.

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Psychologists' Diverse Interests

Psychologists have diverse interests and areas of focus, including research, practice, and teaching.

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Client Challenges

Clients may face academic/vocational difficulty, or struggles with prejudice/discrimination.

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Industrial Psychology

Focuses on the relationship between people and work.

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Organizational Psychology

Studies people's behavior within organizations (like businesses).

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Human Factors Psychology

Makes things like car dashboards and computer keyboards easier to use.

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Consumer Psychology

Studies how shoppers behave to predict and influence their buying decisions.

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History of Psychology

Understanding the evolution and theoretical conflicts in the field of psychology.

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Aristotle

Greek philosopher (2400 years ago) who contributed to the development of psychology.

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Psychology

The study of the human mind and behavior.

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Gestalt Psychology

A school of psychology emphasizing the tendency to organize perceptions into wholes and integrate separate stimuli into meaningful patterns.

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Gestalt Principle

The human tendency to experience complex things as unified wholes instead of a collection of separate parts.

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Perception & Thinking

Gestalt psychology focuses on how we perceive things and how these perceptions influence our thinking and problem-solving.

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Organized Whole

The concept that we naturally organize our perceptions into meaningful, complete forms.

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Contextual Perception

The idea that we perceive objects and people differently based on the situation or environment.

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Behaviorism vs. Gestalt

Behaviorists focus on observable behavior, while Gestalt psychologists emphasize how we experience and organize perceptions.

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Psychology as a Science

Psychology is a scientific discipline that studies behavior and mental processes.

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Historical Foundations of Psychology

The historical background and development of psychological thought and approaches.

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Contemporary Perspectives in Psychology

Current approaches and schools of thought in psychology.

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Methods of Research

Different techniques and procedures used by psychologists to study behavior and mental processes

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Ethics in Psychological Research

Moral principles and guidelines that guide psychologists' research practices.

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Critical Thinking

The ability to evaluate information objectively and make reasoned judgments.

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The Nervous System

The complex network comprised of billions of neurons, communicating throughout the body.

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Divisions of the Nervous System

The different parts of the nervous system, e.g., central and peripheral.

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The Brain

The central organ of the nervous system, responsible for many functions.

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Cerebral Cortex

The outermost layer of the brain, essential for higher-level cognitive functions.

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Endocrine System

The network of glands and hormones involved in regulating body functions.

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Evolution and Heredity

Influence of evolutionary processes and genetics on behavior and traits.

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Sensation and Perception

Processes of receiving sensory information and interpreting it.

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Learning

The process by which experience modifies behavior or cognition.

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Classical Conditioning

Learning associations between stimuli.

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Operant Conditioning

Learning through consequences of behavior.

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Cognitive Factors in Learning

Mental processes that affect learning.

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Memory

The mental ability to encode, store, and retrieve information.

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Kinds of Memory

Different forms of memory, such as sensory, short-term, and long-term.

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Processes of Memory

Steps involved in remembering, like encoding, storage, and retrieval.

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Classical Conditioning

A type of learning that occurs through associations between a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus, leading to a conditioned response.

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Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.

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Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially doesn't trigger any response.

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Unconditioned Response (UR)

The automatic response to a stimulus without prior learning.

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Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, triggers a conditioned response.

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Conditioned Response (CR)

The learned response to a previously neutral stimulus, now a conditioned stimulus.

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Pavlov's experiment

The classical conditioning experiment done by Ivan Pavlov where the dog learned to salivate in response to a bell (or tone) after repeatedly pairing the bell with food.

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Classical Conditioning

Learning through stimulus-response associations.

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Unconditioned Stimulus (US)

Naturally triggers a response.

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Neutral Stimulus (NS)

Initially doesn't trigger a response.

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Unconditioned Response (UR)

Automatic response to the stimulus.

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Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

Previously neutral, now triggers response.

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Conditioned Response (CR)

Learned response to the conditioned stimulus.

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Pavlov's experiment

Classic example demonstrating conditioned response in dogs.

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Little Albert experiment

Demonstrates fear response conditioning.

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Conditioned Taste Aversion

Rapidly learned aversion to a taste associated with illness.

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Biological Preparedness

Certain associations are easier to learn, for survival.

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Conditioned Response

A learned response created where no response existed before.

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Classical Conditioning

Learning by associating two stimuli, resulting in a learned response.

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Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response without prior learning.

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Unconditioned Response (UCR)

The automatic, natural response to a UCS.

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Neutral Stimulus (NS)

A stimulus that initially does not trigger any response.

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Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

A previously neutral stimulus that, after association with UCS, triggers a response.

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Conditioned Response (CR)

Learned response to a previously neutral stimulus (now a CS).

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Acquisition

Initial stage of learning, establishing a response.

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Extinction

Weakening or disappearance of a conditioned response when CS is no longer paired with UCS.

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Spontaneous Recovery

Re-emergence of a previously extinguished conditioned response after a rest period.

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Stimulus Generalization

Similar stimuli triggering a conditioned response.

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Stimulus Discrimination

Ability to differentiate between CS and other similar stimuli.

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Study Notes

Psychology as a Science

  • Psychology aims to describe, explain, predict, and control behavior and mental processes.
  • It studies behavior, mental processes, and biological processes.
  • Psychological theories explain relationships between events and allow predictions.
  • Psychologists' goals do not involve controlling people like puppets; it's about understanding.

Types of Psychologists

  • Basic/Pure Research Psychologists: Their work is driven by curiosity and enhancing future knowledge; it is not immediately applicable to everyday problems.
  • School Psychologists: Help students with learning problems and school placement.
  • Educational Psychologists: Focus on course planning and instructional methods for school systems, not individual students.
  • Industrial Psychologists: Study relationships between people and work.
  • Organizational Psychologists: Study organizational behavior (e.g., businesses)
  • Human Factors Psychologists: Make technical systems more user-friendly (e.g., car dashboards, keyboards).
  • Consumer Psychologists: Study shopper behavior to predict and influence purchasing decisions (e.g., store layouts, advertising).

Gestalt Psychology

  • Gestalt psychology emphasizes organizing perceptions into wholes and integrating separate stimuli into meaningful patterns.
  • Gestalt psychologists believe understanding human nature cannot solely focus on observable behavior.
  • Perception influences thinking and problem-solving.
  • Interpretation of objects depends on context. (e.g., someone running toward you may be interpreted differently in a dark alley versus a football game).

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