Psychology Chapters 1-14 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is psychology?

The study of physical fitness

The scientific study of mind and behavior (correct)

The analysis of social norms

The study of plants

What is data?

Any information collected through formal observation or measurement.

What is hindsight bias?

The tendency to think that we could have predicted something that has already occurred.

What does the scientific method involve?

A set of assumptions, rules, and procedures to conduct empirical research. Signup and view all the answers

What are levels of explanation?

The perspectives used to understand behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are individual differences?

The variations among people on physical or psychological dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

Structuralism uses the method of introspection to identify the basic elements of psychological experience.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is functionalism?

An approach that attempts to understand why animals and humans have developed specific psychological aspects. Signup and view all the answers

What does psychodynamic psychology focus on?

The role of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories in determining behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is behaviorism?

The premise that psychologists should limit their attention to the study of behavior itself. Signup and view all the answers

What does cognitive psychology study?

Mental processes such as perception, thinking, memory, and judgments. Signup and view all the answers

What is social-cultural psychology?

The study of how social situations and cultures influence thinking and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is heritability?

The proportion of observed differences in characteristics among people that is due to genetics. Signup and view all the answers

In the nature vs nurture debate, what are we primarily discussing?

The role of genetics vs environment Signup and view all the answers

The method of learning about psychological processes where participants describe their experiences is called ___.

introspection Signup and view all the answers

What is evolutionary psychology?

A branch of psychology that applies the Darwinian theory of natural selection to behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is fitness in terms of psychology?

The extent to which a genetic characteristic helps an organism survive and reproduce. Signup and view all the answers

What defines social norms?

The ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving shared by group members. Signup and view all the answers

What does the endocrine system regulate?

The body through hormones secreted by glands. Signup and view all the answers

What are neurons?

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

What is synaptic transmission?

The process by which neurotransmitters relay signals across synapses between neurons. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Psychology

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of mind and behavior.
Data refers to any information collected through formal observation or measurement.

Key Concepts in Psychological Science

Hindsight bias describes the tendency to believe that one could have predicted an outcome after it has already occurred.
The scientific method involves a systematic set of assumptions and procedures for conducting empirical research.

Perspectives in Psychology

Levels of explanation denote the various perspectives used to understand behavior.
Individual differences highlight the variations in physical or psychological traits among people.

Historical Schools of Thought

Structuralism utilizes introspection to identify the basic elements of psychological experience.
Functionalism seeks to understand the evolutionary purpose of psychological traits.
Psychodynamic psychology focuses on unconscious influences and childhood experiences.
Behaviorism asserts that psychology should study observable behavior rather than the mind.
Cognitive psychology examines mental processes like perception, memory, and judgment.
Social-cultural psychology studies how social situations and cultures affect behavior.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Nature vs. nurture explores the relative influence of genetics and environment on individual behavior.
Heritability measures how much observed differences in traits among individuals can be attributed to genetics.

Key Psychological Questions

Free will vs. determinism considers personal control over actions versus influence from environmental forces.
Accuracy vs. inaccuracy relates to human capacity for processing information.
Conscious vs. unconscious examines awareness of one's actions and influences from outside awareness.

Research Methodologies

Basic research addresses fundamental behavioral questions, while applied research focuses on real-world implications.
Descriptive research provides snapshots of current situations without assessing relationships among variables.
Correlational research identifies relationships between variables and allows predictions but does not imply causation.
Experimental research manipulates variables to infer causal relationships and draw conclusions.
Case studies provide detailed insights into individual experiences, while surveys collect data on beliefs and behaviors.

Statistical Concepts

Descriptive statistics summarize data distributions, including mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
Normal distribution reflects a bell-shaped data distribution.
Correlation coefficients measure the strength and direction of relationships between variables.

Research Validity and Ethics

Internal validity assesses the trustworthiness of causal conclusions.
External validity evaluates the generalizability of research findings.
Construct validity ensures research measures what it intends to measure.
Ethical practices involve informed consent, deception protocols, and debriefing participants after studies.

The Nervous System

The nervous system consists of a vast network of specialized cells transmitting information across the body.
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to other body parts.

Neurons and Communication

Neurons are fundamental cells of the nervous system, with key components including soma, dendrites, and axons.
The myelin sheath insulates axons for faster signal transmission, while action potentials indicate nerve impulses' electrical changes.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit signals across synapses between neurons, impacting communication in the nervous system.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key terms from Psychology Chapters 1 to 14. Each card features a word and its definition, helping you to solidify your understanding of fundamental psychological concepts. Perfect for quick review or study sessions!