Psychology Chapter 1

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It uses empirical methods to understand mental processes and how they influence observable actions.

The empirical approach in psychology relies on observable, measurable evidence. This means data can be collected and analyzed objectively, rather than relying on personal opinions or speculation.

Structuralism focused on breaking down mental processes into basic elements like sensations and feelings using introspection. It aimed to understand the fundamental building blocks of consciousness.

Functionalism emphasizes the purpose and function of mental processes in helping organisms adapt and survive. It was influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution.

Psychoanalytic theory, led by Sigmund Freud, emphasizes the unconscious mind and its role in shaping behavior. It suggests that childhood experiences and repressed desires influence our actions and thoughts.

Gestalt psychology emphasizes that perception is more than just the sum of its parts. It suggests that we experience the world holistically, where the whole is greater than the individual components.

Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and its relation to environmental factors. It dismisses the role of consciousness and emphasizes learning through conditioning.

Humanism emphasizes the inherent goodness in humans and their potential for self-improvement. It focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and positive aspects of human nature.

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes the influence of unconscious drives and motivations on behavior.

A perspective in psychology that emphasizes human potential, self-growth, and free will.

A perspective in psychology that explores mental processes such as memory, thinking, and problem-solving.

The study of how the brain and nervous system affect behavior and mental processes.

The study of how evolutionary processes have shaped human behavior and mental abilities.

The study of how sensory information is processed and perceived.

The study of changes in behavior and mental processes across the lifespan.

The study of unique traits that shape individual differences in behavior, thoughts, and feelings.

The study of how social contexts and interactions influence behavior and mental processes.

The branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses.

A relationship between two or more variables where changes in one variable are associated with changes in the other.

A brain imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels.

A brain imaging technique that measures electrical activity in the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp.

The theory that sleep evolved to conserve energy and protect animals from predators.

The theory that sleep helps restore and repair the body and mind, consolidating memories and improving cognitive function.

The hypothesis that dreams arise from random brain activity during REM sleep, which the brain tries to interpret.

A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep.

A sleep disorder where individuals perform complex actions while asleep, often occurring in NREM Stage 3 sleep.

A sleep disorder where the body doesn't stay paralyzed during REM sleep, leading to acting out dreams.

A sleep disorder characterized by sudden sleep attacks, often accompanied by loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), triggered by strong emotions.

A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often caused by a blockage in the airway.

A sleep disorder involving extreme fear, panic, or screaming during sleep, usually occurring in NREM Stage 3 sleep.

The state of awareness of oneself, thoughts, and surroundings.

Changes in perception, thinking, and self-awareness, often resulting from a variety of factors.

A naturally occurring altered state of consciousness characterized by reduced awareness and responsiveness.

The brainwave pattern associated with light sleep, characterized by alpha and theta waves.

The brainwave pattern associated with deep sleep, characterized by delta waves, which are slow and high-amplitude.

A research method collecting data from different groups at a single point in time. It's quicker and cheaper than longitudinal studies but is prone to cohort effects.

A research method following the same participants over a long period. It tracks changes over time but can be costly and time-consuming.

When every member of the population has a chance to participate in a study.

A smaller group that accurately represents the overall population in a study.

The variable that the researcher manipulates or changes in an experiment.

The outcome being measured in an experiment, the effect of the independent variable.

Variables that are kept constant during an experiment to reduce bias. They are not the focus of the study.

Uncontrolled variables that can influence both the independent and dependent variables, potentially obscuring the true effect.

The group that receives the independent variable in an experiment, where the effect is being explored.

The group that does not receive the independent variable in an experiment, used for comparison.

The process of randomly assigning participants to different groups in an experiment to reduce bias.

A specific definition of how a variable will be measured in an experiment. Necessary for consistency and replicability.

An experiment where participants are unaware of their group assignment, reducing bias from expectations.

An experiment where neither the participants nor the researchers know who's in what group, minimizing bias.

The fundamental unit of the nervous system, responsible for sending and receiving signals.

The main part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and maintains the cell's health.

Branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive messages from other neurons.

The long, slender extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body to other neurons.

A fatty layer that surrounds axons, insulating and speeding up neural impulses.

Gaps in the myelin sheath where ion exchange occurs, boosting the electrical signal along the axon.

Small knobs at the end of axons that contain synaptic vesicles filled with neurotransmitters for communication with the next neuron.

The network of nerves that transmit signals throughout the body.

The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord, the body's control center.

The part of the nervous system that connects the CNS to the rest of the body, delivering information and receiving commands.

Part of the PNS that controls voluntary movements, like walking or playing a sport.

Part of the PNS that controls involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress or 'fight or flight' response.

Part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body and promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Nerves that carry sensory information from the body to the CNS, like touch, taste, and smell.

Nerves that carry commands from the CNS to muscles, triggering movements.

The long, cylindrical bundle of nerves that transmits messages between the brain and the body and handles reflexes.

Automatic responses triggered by the spinal cord without brain input.

The most complex part of the CNS, responsible for thoughts, emotions, memory, and actions. It's made up of billions of neurons and glial cells.

The outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions like thinking, planning, and language.

Structures within the forebrain that are not part of the cerebral cortex, playing crucial roles in processing information and controlling functions.

A subcortical structure that acts as a relay station, receiving sensory information and sending it to the appropriate parts of the brain.

A subcortical structure that controls hunger, thirst, body temperature, and hormone release.

A subcortical structure that processes emotions, particularly fear and emotional memories.

A subcortical structure essential for forming new memories and learning.

The midbrain, responsible for regulating arousal, alertness, and movement.

A network of neurons within the midbrain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, arousal, and alertness.

Regions in the midbrain involved in movement, mood, and addiction.

The hindbrain, responsible for controlling vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Part of the hindbrain that controls vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.

Part of the hindbrain that connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates sleep.

Part of the hindbrain that coordinates balance, movement, and motor skills.

The largest lobe at the front of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions like planning, reasoning, and language.

The lobe at the top middle of the brain, responsible for processing sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain.

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

The lobe on the side of the brain, responsible for processing auditory information, memory, and language comprehension.

An area in the frontal lobe responsible for speech production.

An area in the temporal lobe responsible for language comprehension, understanding spoken language.

A neuroimaging technique that uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain, identifying brain injuries or tumors.

A neuroimaging technique that tracks radioactive glucose in the brain to show activity, mapping brain activity during tasks.

A neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of brain structure, providing a clear view of brain anatomy.