Psychology Concepts and Research Methods
45 Questions
3 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does behaviorism primarily focus on?

  • Social interactions and relationships
  • The influence of biology on behavior
  • Observable behavior and its control (correct)
  • Cognitive processes and thought patterns

Which psychologist is known for developing the theory of cognitive development?

  • Maslow
  • Jean Piaget (correct)
  • Wilhelm Wundt
  • William James

What is the definition of internal validity?

  • How well results can be generalized to real-world situations
  • How well confounds have been controlled to establish causality (correct)
  • The reliability of results over multiple studies
  • The ability to reproduce results under different conditions

Which psychological approach examines how biology affects behavior?

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

What is meant by the term 'falsifiability' in psychology?

<p>A theory's ability to be tested and potentially disproven (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first person to be referred to as a psychologist?

<p>Wilhelm Wundt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology is developmental psychology focused on?

<p>Changes across the lifespan including cognitive and social development (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does reliability in research refer to?

<p>The consistency and reproducibility of results (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the independent variable in an experiment?

<p>It is manipulated or controlled by the experimenter. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does inter-rater reliability measure?

<p>The degree of agreement among observers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of conducting case studies?

<p>They have issues with generalizability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pro of using surveys in research?

<p>They can collect data from a larger sample. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a double-blind study, who is unaware of the group assignments?

<p>Both the researchers and the participants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of archival research?

<p>It provides access to a large amount of existing data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges of naturalistic observation?

<p>It often involves observer bias. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does longitudinal research involve?

<p>Measuring the same group of individuals repeatedly over time. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary function does the IACUC serve?

<p>Oversees animal welfare in research proposals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?

<p>To increase the speed of signal transmission (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily involved in language production?

<p>Broca's area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What accurately describes the role of receptors in neuronal communication?

<p>They are proteins that bind neurotransmitters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antagonists in relation to neurotransmitters?

<p>They block or impede the normal activity of neurotransmitters. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nervous system component is primarily responsible for voluntary activities?

<p>Somatic Nervous System (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of reuptake in relation to neurotransmission?

<p>Neurotransmitters return to their originating neuron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do antidepressants typically impact synaptic activity?

<p>They block reuptake transporters, accumulating neurotransmitters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Prepares the body for fight or flight response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a synapse?

<p>The junction where two neurons communicate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the brain is primarily associated with learning and memory?

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

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for interpreting visual information?

<p>Occipital lobe (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes agonists?

<p>They mimic neurotransmitter action at receptors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?

<p>Promote digestion and relaxation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is involved in processing body sensory information?

<p>Parietal lobe (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is primarily responsible for higher-level cognitive functioning?

<p>Prefrontal cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which category includes drugs that suppress central nervous system activity?

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

What is primarily responsible for pulling random thoughts and imagery from memories?

<p>Electrical brain impulses (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of the default mode network?

<p>Heightened sensory awareness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a stimulant?

<p>Caffeine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marijuana can be classified under which categories of drugs?

<p>Psychedelics and Depressants (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the body?

<p>Controlling the sleep-wake cycle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes psychological dependence from physical dependence on a drug?

<p>The need to fulfill emotional needs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes circadian rhythm?

<p>A biological rhythm lasting approximately 24 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main neurotransmitter released by the pineal gland, influencing sleep?

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

What characterizes REM sleep compared to NREM sleep?

<p>Rapid eye movement and dreaming occur (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Freud's perspective, what is the function of dreams?

<p>To fulfill repressed wishes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory posits that dreams serve as a simulation of threatening events?

<p>Threat-simulation theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of drug use, what does tolerance indicate?

<p>A higher amount of drug is required for the same effect (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Falsifiability

The ability of a hypothesis or theory to be proven wrong through observation or experimentation.

Parsimony

In scientific research, preferring simpler explanations over complex ones, as long as they fit the data equally well.

Reliability

The consistency and reproducibility of research findings. If an experiment is repeated multiple times under similar conditions, it should yield similar results.

External validity

The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to real-world situations beyond the specific conditions of the experiment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Internal validity

The degree to which a research study is able to isolate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable, controlling for confounding factors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Attrition

The loss of participants in a research study over time, often due to factors such as boredom, time constraints, or lack of interest.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Biopsychology

The study of how our biological processes, such as genetics, hormones, and brain activity, influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Developmental psychology

The systematic study of how people change and grow throughout their lifespan, from infancy to old age.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Population

A group of individuals that researchers want to study.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sample

A smaller group of individuals chosen from the population to represent the larger group.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher in an experiment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured to see how it is affected by the independent variable.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Confounding Variable

Unintended factors that can influence both the independent and dependent variables, creating confusion in the results.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Double-blind study

A study where both the researchers and participants are unaware of who is in the control or experimental group.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Placebo effect

People's expectations or beliefs can influence their experience, regardless of actual treatment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Replication

Repeating an experiment with different samples to see if the results are consistent.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is an IACUC?

A committee that reviews research proposals involving non-human participants. It includes administrators, scientists, veterinarians, and community members.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the soma?

The central part of a neuron, containing the nucleus.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are dendrites?

Branching extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is an axon?

The long, slender extension of a neuron that transmits signals to other neurons.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the myelin sheath?

Insulating cells that wrap around the axon, speeding up signal transmission.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a terminal button?

The end of the axon, containing synaptic vesicles that release neurotransmitters.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is a synapse?

The tiny space between two neurons where communication occurs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is reuptake?

The process of neurotransmitters being pumped back into the neuron that released them.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What do antagonists do?

Antagonist chemicals block or impede the normal activity of a neurotransmitter at the receptor site.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What makes up the CNS?

The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system (CNS).

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the PNS?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes nerves that carry messages between the CNS and the rest of the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does the somatic nervous system control?

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements, like walking and talking.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does the autonomic nervous system control?

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, like breathing and heart rate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, like 'fight or flight'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

The parasympathetic nervous system calms the body down, like 'rest and digest'.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What physiological changes do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems cause?

The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, breathing rate, and blood sugar levels. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases these functions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Default Mode Network

The brain's natural activity during wakefulness, characterized by internal thoughts and self-reflection.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Depressants

A category of psychoactive drugs that decrease central nervous system activity, often leading to relaxation, sedation, and slowed reaction times.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stimulants

A category of psychoactive drugs that increase overall brain activity, leading to heightened alertness, energy, and sometimes euphoria.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Opiates

A category of psychoactive drugs derived from the opium poppy plant, known for their potent pain-relieving properties.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychedelics

A category of psychoactive drugs that significantly alter sensory perception, causing hallucinations and profound changes in consciousness.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Circadian Rhythm

The biological rhythm that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, lasting approximately 24 hours.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Homeostasis

A stable state in which biological conditions, like body temperature, are maintained at optimal levels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Physical Dependence

Changes in bodily function due to repeated drug use, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Psychological Dependence

Emotional or psychological need for a drug, often to cope with distress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tolerance

The need for higher doses of a drug to achieve the desired effect.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Withdrawal

Negative symptoms experienced when drug use is stopped, usually opposite to the drug's effects.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)

The brain's internal clock, located in the hypothalamus, that regulates circadian rhythms.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pineal Gland

A gland in the brain that releases melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Chapter 1

  • Introspection: Examining one's own conscious experience objectively.
  • Constructs: Theoretical concepts used in psychology to describe behaviors.
  • Counseling psychology: Focuses on emotional, social, vocational, and health-related outcomes in psychologically healthy individuals.
  • Clinical psychology: Diagnoses and treats psychological disorders and behavioral patterns.
  • Psychiatry: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions, including medication.
  • Learning perspective (Behaviorism): Focuses on how individuals learn behaviors through environment interactions.
  • Cognitive perspective: Views the individual as a conscious and self-aware being.
  • Biological perspective: Explores how brain structure/function relates to behavior.
  • Social perspective: Suggests behavior is learned through observing, interacting with others, and social norms.
  • Structuralism: Focuses on contents of mental processes, using introspection
  • Functionalism: Explores how mental processes help organisms adapt, interested in the whole mind's operation, not in individual parts.
  • Evolutionary psychology: Examines the biological causes of behavior, considering the impact of genetics.
  • Social-cognitive learning thepry: Focuses on learning by observing others.

Chapter 2

  • Falsifiability: A theory or hypothesis can be proven wrong.
  • Parsimony: Choosing the simplest explanation.
  • Reliability: Consistency of a measure.
  • External validity: Generalizability of results to real-world situations.
  • Internal validity: How well confounding variables were controlled.
  • Attrition: Reduction in participants over time.
  • Sample: A subset of a larger population used in studies.
  • Population: All members of a specified group.

Chapter 2 Continued

  • Inter-rater reliability: Agreement among several observers.
  • Independent variable: The variable manipulated in an experiment.
  • Dependent variable: The variable measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
  • Confounding variables: Unintended factors that can influence the dependent variable.
  • Placebo effect: Expectations influencing outcomes in a study.
  • Double-blind study: Both researchers and participants are unaware of who's in which group.
  • Replication: Repeating a study to confirm findings.
  • Case studies: Observational research focusing on one or a few individuals.
  • Naturalistic observation: Observing behavior in natural settings.
  • Surveys: Questionnaires to gather information from many people.
  • Archival research: Using existing records for analysis.

Chapter 3

  • Soma: Neuron's cell body.
  • Dendrite: Branching extensions receiving signals.
  • Axon: Long extension carrying signals away from the cell body.
  • Myelin sheath: Fatty insulation increasing signal speed.
  • Terminal button: Structure releasing neurotransmitters
  • Neurotransmitters: Chemical messengers in the brain.
  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Brain and spinal cord.
  • Peripheral nervous system (PNS): Nerves and neurons outside the CNS

Chapter 4

  • Circadian rhythm: Biological cycle lasting about 24 hours.
  • Homeostasis: Equilibrium in biological conditions.
  • Physical dependence: Changes in bodily functions due to drug use.
  • Psychological dependence: Emotional need for a drug.
  • Tolerance: Needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect.
  • Withdrawal: Negative effects after stopping drug use.

Chapter 4 Continued

  • Suprachiasmatic nucleus: Brain's "clock" mechanism.
  • Pineal gland: Structure releasing melatonin, influencing sleep.
  • REM sleep: Rapid eye movement sleep.
  • NREM sleep: Non-REM sleep.

Chapter 5

  • Freud's dream theory: Repressed wishes expressed in a disguised way.
  • Threat simulation theory: Brain simulating threatening events during sleep for preparedness.
  • Default mode network: Brain regions active when not focused on a task.
  • Depressants: Drugs slowing brain activity.
  • Stimulants: Drugs increasing brain activity.
  • Opiates: Strong pain relievers, addictive drugs.

Chapter 5 Continued

  • Psychedelics: Drugs causing changes in perception.

Additional Notes

  • Case studies: Henry Molaison and Clive Wearing.
  • Key terms: Biological rhythms, withdrawal from substance use, different methods of research, different types of therapy

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Psyc 100 Midterm 1 Study Guide PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts in psychology, including behaviorism, cognitive development, and research methodologies. This quiz covers important theories, terms, and practices within the field of psychology, from the independent variable to longitudinal research. Perfect for students and enthusiasts alike!

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser